#most unique flea market in Amsterdam

[micheltaanman-blog]

Amsterdam - Rommelmarkt bij de IJ-Hallen op het NDSM terrein

Amsterdam – Rommelmarkt bij de IJ-Hallen op het NDSM terrein

[europeantravel1]

10 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is arguably one of the best cities to visit in the world and it is a great place to visit museums, art, coffee shops and culture — but there is much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. Within an hour from Amsterdam, you can visit the tulip fields, windmills, and even climb up sand dunes and lie on the beach and work on your tan! The Netherlands is a relatively small country, so you can get to Utrecht in 30 minutes or even Belgium in 1.5 hours since the country is relatively small. Even traveling from the northernmost city in the Netherlands (Groningen) to the southernmost point (Maastricht) takes roughly two hours. The Netherlands has an excellent system of public transportation that allows travelers to travel anywhere in the country. The trains generally run on time and are modern and comfortable. The Dutch railway company NS has a website on which you can get train schedules. Holland is the world capital of cycling! There are over 32,000 kilometers of bike paths stretching out in all directions, letting you cycle from one city to another with ease if you wish. For nearby cities like Haarlem and Leiden, it is possible to bike from Amsterdam Centraal in an hour to these cities. With this list of the top day trips from Amsterdam, you can get away from Amsterdam and explore the rest of the Netherlands.  

Amsterdam Day Trips

In this list of day trips from Amsterdam, only places within a two-hour train ride from Amsterdam were included. It is possible to access all of these sights in one day by public transportation.  

Recommended Amsterdam Day Trips

1. Haarlem

The short train ride to Haarlem makes it an ideal day trip from Amsterdam. Haarlem is often described as a smaller, more compact version of historical Amsterdam. Haarlem is less hectic than Amsterdam and offers a more authentic experience. It is essentially a suburb of Amsterdam so it is easy to get to. In fact if the hotel prices in Amsterdam are to high for you staying in Haarlem is a good alternative. Haarlem is seen as a quieter, gentler Amsterdam – which is in fact only 15 minutes away by train. Haarlem's Christmas market is quite possibly the top Christmas market in the Netherlands. The event is centered around the city’s Grote Markt (main square). On a regular Saturday, however, the square will have local stalls offering cheese, clothing, souvenirs, and more. There is a church located right near the square and a variety of bars and cafes. Throughout your stay, be sure to enjoy a boat ride along the canals, observe the authentic windmill located directly in the city, and finish the day at Jopenkerk, a church-turned-brewery. And, trust me the beer here is way better than the beer at the T'ij brewery in Amsterdam even though that one is located in a cool windmill.   2. Tulip Fields in Lisse and Keukenhorf, Netherlands

Most tourists come to the Netherlands in the springtime to view the world-famous tulip fields. Lisse is the best place to see them. Just 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Lisse is an easy day trip from Amsterdam. The striking colors of the flowering tulip bulbs are a typical sight in Holland during the spring. The bright red, pink and yellow colors are overwhelmingly beautiful and are a must see, or should we say, a must experience! Keukenhof is situated in Lisse, and is one of the world's largest flower gardens. The park is home to over 800 beautiful tulip and flower arrangements. There are several attractions around the gardens, including a petting zoo, art installations, restaurants, and boat trips. Tourists do tend to overcrowd this area. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase fast-track tickets that include transfers. You don’t have to go to Keukenhof to see the tulips; there are plenty of tulip fields scattered all over the Lisse province that are open to the public. We suggest renting bicycles and cycling around the fields to admire them. You can also take a tulip bicycle tour with a guide to see them.   3. Zaanse Schans

The Netherlands isn’t complete without mentioning the iconic Dutch windmill and wooden clogs. The Dutch are known for their windmills, and the closest one to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, a town dating back to the 19th century. Looking around you at the Zaanse Schans, you will see nothing but history. Take a tour of the wooden windmills and try on traditional Dutch clogs and savour some Dutch cheese. Zaanse Schans is one of the very best places to visit in the Netherlands. The Zaanse Schans takes its name from an earthen sconce, a fortification from the Eighty Years’ War (the uprising against Spanish rule). From 1961 to 1974 old buildings from all over the Zaanstreek were relocated here from all over the Netherlands. Getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by bus can be accomplished in 30 minutes from Central Station.   4. Delft

In the Netherlands there is no shortage of adorable towns, however, Delft stands out as my favorite. Delft is best known for its pottery, especially Delftware pottery! There is even a factory here that produces Delftware. Delft is not only known for the pottery, but also for its beautiful churches, charming boutiques, and cozy cafes. Delft is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, famous for its historical connections with the reigning House of Orange-Nassau, for its blue pottery, for being home to the painter Jan Vermeer, Vermeer is buried in the Old Church. Make sure you climb the clock tower for the best view in Delft. Delft is the perfect place to visit if you'd like to see beautiful Dutch architecture without the crowds that Amsterdam attracts.   5. The Hague (Den Haag) & Scheveningen Beach

The Hague is located approximately one hour train ride away from Amsterdam and is the perfect day trip destination. The city is beautifully designed and the city has a sense of calm about it, even though it is surrounded by a large amount of activity. It is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands on the North Sea. It is famous as the place where war criminals are tried but it is much more than that. Koningsdag, or King's Day, is held annually on 27 April. It is traditionally celebrated with fairs and flea markets throughout the city. On this day, the color orange predominates at a festival (which sells orange cotton candy) and has scores of informal street markets. The Hague is also home to one of the finest beaches in the Netherlands called Scheveningen Beach. This beach is one of the most popular attractions to The Hague and is particularly popular with tourists and locals alike. The white sand beach stretches for miles and includes a Ferris wheel on its pier. 6. Alkmaar Cheese Market

If you are eager to experience the world-famous cheese of the Netherlands, then you should visit Alkmaar. Alkmaar, not Gouda is the cheese capital of the Netherlands, and there are many cheese-related attractions for visitors to enjoy! Every Friday from March through September, there is a cheese market, which is particularly interesting to say the least. Alkmaar has many medieval buildings that are still intact, most notably the tall tower of the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, where many people from Alkmaar hold their wedding ceremony. This Dutch city is 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train and has more than just cheese. Visit the Dutch Cheese Museum or the National Beer Museum, while Belgium and Germany are more well known for beer, the beer scene in the Netherlands is very healthy.     7. Rotterdam Among the most popular cities near Amsterdam, Rotterdam is one. The reason for its popularity is that it is modern and different than any other state in the country. During World War II, the whole city was destroyed by bombs and rebuilt in a totally different style. Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII.

This unique city can be reached by a fast train in just 45 minutes. This allows plenty of time for exploration. The most popular sites here include the famous cube houses, the Markthall (market hall) and the Erasmus Bridge. Nevertheless, a leisurely stroll through the streets and a discovery of the city is much more enjoyable.   8. Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has a fascinating history. This city is located only 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam and is among the most popular Amsterdam day trips. While most people think of Amsterdam when they think of the Netherlands. Utrecht is the lively, beating heart of Holland, an ancient university town built around the Dom Tower. Utrecht is known for its city center with wharf cellars along the canals housing cafes and terraces by the water. Utrecht is celebrated for its canals, which run through the center of the city. In addition to the unique design, the lower section of the canals is complemented by outdoor eating areas for restaurants during the warmer months. Besides the unique canals and restaurants, Utrecht is an amazing city to stroll around and explore. Upon exploring the city, you'll find that Utrecht is full of special places. For example, you can drink the best coffee in the city in the vibrant Voorstraat, find all your groceries in the multicultural Lombok and taste and feel the city's archaeological history at Castellum   9. Leiden

Leiden is an old and historical city in the Netherlands that can be reached by train in 30 minutes from Amsterdam. It is best known for its historical significance as a university town and for its stunning old architecture dating back to the year 1575. It reminds me a lot of Leuven in Belgium or Heidelberg in Germany. It is the best place to explore museums, canals without tourists, restaurants, and coffee shops. Although Rembrandt spent much of his life in Amsterdam, he was born and raised in Leiden. In fact, he attended classes at the city’s university for some time before deciding to pursue a career as an artist. There are several tributes to Rembrandt around the city including a plaque on Weddesteeg that marks his birthplace. The Floating Christmas Market in Leiden is another favorite of Amsterdammers. This quaint market boasts more than 90 stalls that sell a variety of festive foods, warm drinks, and handcrafted items. You'll also find a floating ice rink, as well as a small stage where performances are performed round the clock. This yearly event has won multiple awards, including the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” in 2016.   10. Antwerp, Belgium

Taking a day trip from Amsterdam does not necessarily mean remaining in the Netherlands. By crossing the border into Belgium, you will arrive in Antwerp in no time at all. It may seem impossible to travel from The Netherlands to Belgium in one day, but thanks to the high-speed Thalys train it is quite doable. Antwerp is an ancient center of medieval architecture and history, completely distinct from the Netherlands. Taking this day trip will provide you with a chance to explore another country, learn about a different history, and see a beautiful city nearby. The old city center is steeped in history. You will find it in ancient building-fronts on narrow streets or in the imposing Grand-Place. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is the only museum in the world to be classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. Belgian beers are world-famous, and Antwerp is an excellent place to improve your acquaintance with them. The De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery offers an ideal introduction to the world of beer. Het Pakhuis and Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie are other breweries where you can taste authentically brewed Belgian beer. One of the top-rated beer bars in the world, the Kulminator is located in Antwerp and there are a host of other good pubs.   Related Story: Amsterdam Red Light Area Bars   Read the full article

[theheartofpenelope]

SIMPLE THINGS - Chapter five

Chapter five - excerpt : Granted, the subsequent sexual encounter might have been quite imaginary, it dìd prove to Charlotte she was still alive inside. It reminded her of her youth, her possibilities and – let’s be honest - her needs. And upon returning home Charlotte had deemed herself finally ready to gently ease herself back into the dating game, much to her best friend Elisabeth’s joy. The ‘Lizzie’ to her ‘Charlie’. Ever understanding, ever supportive, but ever impatient as well.

Tag list: @winterisakiller, @devikafernando, @scorpionchild81, @messy-insomniac-bookgirl, @smutsausage, @hiddlesbitch1 @noplacelikehome77 @wolfsmom1 @meh1217 @dina-bln @lilaeye39 @tinchentitri @fairlightswiftly @nonsensicalobsessions @wolfsmom1

Author’s Notes/Warnings: tags will follow later on -also : the lay-out of the text-conversation is so much cleaner on AO3. But here on Tumblr it’s a bit of a mess as those specific html-outlining- inserts don’t work *perfectionistic groan* So it’s not looking ‘perfect’ here on Tumblr, I had to manually try to outline it - but I did the best I could... Anyway thank you in advance for feedback - would love to know what you think…

Also on AO3 through this link Bonus: click here for the pinterest moodboard (always updated)

Chapter five Amsterdam, the Netherlands

1.

Amsterdam did not hold many secrets for Charlotte anymore. She had visited the scenic city many times before and so the site had somehow become a familiarity to her. She would never have realised that if Tom hadn’t requested her to send him some pictures of the Netherlands’ capital.

Yes. Tom.

His first message came as quite a surprise, but not an unwelcome one. And Charlotte gladly obliged to the kind wish of this man who had kept his word and sent her some not-so-touristy addresses she ought to visit while in Hamburg and Berlin - her next destinations.

Charlotte’s phone shots mostly consisted of her favourite sights such as the bridges over the breath-taking canals, boats, strings of light bulbs lighting up pop-up summer bars in the park and the beautiful restored architecture that took her breath away as if it were the first time she’d laid eyes upon it. Thank you Tom for reminding me of this.

The Convention didn’t take up much of her time for a change. Charlotte gladly took the opportunity to stop by the floating flower market for some fresh flowers, and browse through one of her favourite flea markets where she picked up a few books before boarding the intercity train home later that afternoon.

With her new acquisitions all packed up, Charlotte strolled down to the Central Station. Upon entering the building, that felt more like the ‘arrivals and departures’- scene at any given airport, she walked passed some colourful shops. She hopped in one to get herself a refreshing drink for the ride home and upon queueing at the cash register, her eyes scanned over the headlines of the international press that was presented there. One specific title in big bold letters called out to her. A tabloid read out in bold red print : ‘Tom Hiddleston spotted with mystery woman’.

Charlotte laughed a little louder than planned as she detected the picture showcased in fact his publicist’s intern. She shook her head in amusement; was this the man she was currently sending touristy pictures to? Felt a bit silly really…

Charlotte couldn’t deny that over the start of the summer her life had somehow taken an unexpected and bizarre turn. While her professional life had continued to overshadow her private life, she did seem to have found a somewhat manageable and unique balance between the two.

In the sense that she would combine her professional obligations at conferences abroad with some extra me-time. She would try to extend her stay as far as time or reason allowed, so she could go and explore the cities and come to herself before starting all over again somewhere else.

In her head her plan seemed picture perfect, in reality she came to realise she really ought to prepare these kinds of visits just a little bit more. Tom’s tips came in more than handy here… She caught her lips curving into a smile.

Stop it! Silly girl...

Up until now Charlotte had managed to keep her head on straight, regardless of her hectic schedule. She was tired but ambitious, worn-out at times but always remained curious and anxious for what came next. And then came London... the visit that shook her up a bit. It felt as if the carpet had suddenly been pulled out from under her feet. Metaphorically she’d stumbled at first, taken quite the fall nevertheless but then got up again, feeling quite unsure and apprehensive. It had been a dizzying 72 hours, but equally exhilarating nonetheless.

Granted, the subsequent sexual encounter might have been quite imaginary, it dìd prove to Charlotte she was still alive inside. It reminded her of her youth, her possibilities and – let’s be honest - her needs. And upon returning home Charlotte had deemed herself finally ready to gently ease herself back into the dating game, much to her best friend Elisabeth’s joy. The ‘Lizzie’ to her ‘Charlie’. Ever understanding, ever supportive, but ever impatient as well. So before Charlotte was good and well aware ‘Lizzie’ had her all set up for a blind date later that night.

Charlotte did her best not to take any offence in Lizzie’s sudden matchmaking extravaganza - lord knows how long she’d been pushing the matter - but decided to ‘just go with it’.

Charlotte switched her phone into flight mode as she boarded the train. She had a thing with flight mode. The thrill of being able to cut out all outside intrusions was one she often indulged in. And right now she had opted to treat herself to some lounge music while reading. With two hours to kill, it seems the perfect getaway from reality.

She settled in her seat, earphones plugged in, loungy music on and one of her new acquirements resting in her hands. She admired the mysterious cover for a while. It was a book Tom had highly recommended to her. Intrigued, she curiously delved in.

WIthin no less than a dozen pages, to her greatest surprise, the words struck home to both Charlotte and her wounded heart.

“Even though I complain sometimes it (his heart) said, it’s because I am the heart of a person, and people’s hearts are that way. People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams because they feel they don’t deserve them, or that they won’t be able to achieve them.

Many years ago Charlotte had lost her heart to a man. Well, a boy still when they’d first met. And she’d treasured him just as much as he had treasured her. They had gone through so much together; they left the university-benches together and dived headfirst into their professional lives. And while they took their time to search where their respective professional futures lay, they wasted no time on their personal future and got married. She’d truly followed her heart.

Fairly soon he was on his road to success, while Charlotte struggled. They bought a flat with a breath-taking view over the park but by then the marriage was already in heavy weather...

Charlotte’s stomach turned into a knot as the narrative in the book went on.

"We, their hearts, become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away, or of moments that could have been good, but weren’t, or treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands. Because when these things happen we suffer terribly.”

You see; back then, in her professional life Charlotte had only faced glass ceilings and struggled with the balance between professional and private life. A struggle her husband had failed to see or recognize.

Evidently work demanded they would started moving in different circles, networking, meeting new people, investing. He had to put in crazy hours, there was no energy left for other struggles. And Charlotte definitely felt like a struggle he wanted to do without. Or one he could do without.

It astounded her really. After all, they had overcome so much together; she always thought their relationship had a solid foundation that could resist any type of storm. But somehow, in this phase of their lives, she felt as if their marriage was built on nothing more than a children’s floaty. Whimsical, terrifyingly unpredictable. To make matters worse, in his opinion there was only room for one career in a marriage. Charlotte begged to differ but for the sake of her marriage she gave up trying to pursue more , thinking it would make her happier and by result him as well. Only it didn’t.

She wasn’t suffering though, not anymore , Charlotte thought. With pain in her heart, she had to accept the crumbling of their relationship, their understanding and ultimately their love. She had fought and sacrificed, alas it takes two to tango and their paths lay so far apart now. Closing the door on her marriage, she closed off the door to love in general. Although the divorce was ultimately somehow a mutual decision; that didn’t mean it hurt any less. He had been a part of her past and present, but sadly no longer held her future and that insight hurt. Those who say infidelity hurts the most, meet ‘indifference’; the very close runner up!

"My heart is afraid it will have to suffer,” said the boy.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams because every second of the search is an encounter with God….”

Charlotte had turned her focus now solely on her professional life where all of a sudden – to her a delight - a glass ceiling started showing subtle cracks. She grasped the opportunity with both hands, diving into work and research at full speed, ignoring all else.

Her wings had been clipped in the past, she felt she owed it to herself to open them up now and fly. Far, far away. And she dreaded the day (or the person) who would even try to confine her again.

It caused her an occasional lecture from her best friend Lizzie, but was it clear to outsiders as well that she had closed herself off like this? Or was Tom’s recommendation of this particular book just a happy – albeit freakishly strange - coincidence?

Cracking open the door to my heart wasn’t enough; must you take down the entire façade as well?

Realising the answer to this question was irrelevant she immediately engrossed herself further in the book. Charlotte felt tears stinging as the chapter went on. Before she knew it, she was halfway along the book when the train halted at her destination. She left the train with a heavy heart, an emotional wound but a regained insight. She shook her head and tucked her new favourite book in her purse.

2. It had to be said : Charlotte was pleasantly surprised that she was greeted with a very charming man that evening.

Well done Lizzie!

He was tall and dressed to the nines, with dark hair, piercing green eyes and a handsome smile to match. She had an inkling he knèw he had charm, but she was not yet sure if he played that card.

He turned out to be both charismatic and intelligent. Charlotte had to fight her inner cynic who immediately wanted to find out what was ‘wrong’ with him in order for him to be single, temporarily forgetting he might as well have the same reservations towards her.

They shared appetizers while talking about the current heat wave, the local news, bits and bobs. It was mildly entertaining, at least as far as anxious blind dates can go. It would seem a lovely dinner would ensue.

The man was athletic, which made him easy on the eye however not on the mind. It started when dinner was ordered and gluten was off limits. “Not allergic,” he elaborated, “but bad for my physique.” Charlotte however gladly indulged in a homemade Sicilian pasta stew. It wasn’t meant as a rebellious act, she was simply a not-so-secret foodie.

We’re on the fence here, ladies and gentlemen, but let us not jump to conclusions…

When the topic of interest came up, it was clear they could not have been more divers and while in her mind that thrilled her, she found he held no remote interest in her hobbies. In fact; he was quite opinionated. She may have been as well, but isn’t there some sort of grey zone? Or the illusion of politeness for starters?

Strike 1.

He considered art as overrated and too pricey. While Charlotte could agree on the financial matter, but ‘overrated’? Seriously? He considered literature old and stuffy, and commented along the lines of “honestly who reads these days.”

Strike 2.

Also, he left his smartphone on the table during the entire dinner and wasn’t too shy to check it at times. Hel-lo?

Strike 3.

Charlotte had learned long ago to be honest about her desires and so by the end of dinner, after the coffee and the dessert, when he suggested drinks at a wine & lounge bar, she politely refused. She was knackered and the foresight of spending more time going through pointless conversation frustrated her.

She kindly bid her farewell and at his attempt to a ‘let’s do this again maybe’ Charlotte carefully added she did not see any point in that. Kind as he might have been. She was met with a surprised reaction. Apparently he did not expect an answer as honest as this, even though he did feel the same.

Was it not ok to just step forward and say things like this, then?

Clearly he wasn’t a feminist either. Or was she just high maintenance?

You’re out!

On her walk home, Charlotte unmuted her smartphone. At least shé had the common sense to zone out outside distractions during her date. As expected Lizzie had already dropped several lines to her. And Charlotte was about to – and very gingerly so – elaborate on the horror-date, “ 3 hours down the drain, did I rush home for this ?” when she made another, more pleasant, discovery.

Tom had replied to her Amsterdam snapshots. It instantly lifted her mood to read her pictures had brought ‘joy to his heart’ before going on to share an equally amusing as eloquent anecdote on his day. Clearly a man who reads , the devil on her shoulder fired back to her long-gone date.

3.

After London, Charlotte had adjusted his name on her contact list to the more fitting ‘Instigator Tom’. She grinned as they exchanged some messages back and forth. As it appeared Charlotte wasn’t the only one who had suffered a lousy end to a promising evening; Tom had gone through a crappy day as well. In an attempt to lighten the mood, she carefully informed him :

                           I started reading ‘The Alchemist’<<

>>And? Your thoughts so far?

          There was this quote that I cannot shake…<<   ”You will never be able to escape from your heart.<<           So it's better to listen to what it has to say”<<                                       So tonight, I listened to it.<<

Tom’s lips curved into a smile while he tapped on his phone that that was undoubtedly a very wise decision on her behalf. Although he did sympathise for her date gone wrong. He chuckled out loud when Charlotte swiftly countered with a “you should be, it’s all your fault really - recommending that book and all…” And he gladly and sincerely apologized to her.

To his surprise her date turned out to be a blind date, and before he was well aware he had sent out :

>> So, it was a ‘blind’ date? Forgive me for saying, but you don’t strike me as the type who would need a set-up?

                                     I’ll take the compliment ;-) <<

So Charlotte had went on a date, a blind one at that. While Tom wanted to think 'good for her', his mind fixated on 'single'. Truly, he wanted nothing more than to bond with her on the difficulties of dating but found himself lacking for any decent answer in that department because he simply did not date. Not anymore.

Long gone were the days were he would (or could) just go out and strike up a conversation with a woman and see where it went. He wasn’t around long enough to let anything flourish, let alone bloom. Not at all. When he wasn’t working, his days or evenings were filled with press tours, interviews, premiers, gala's. Maybe an occasional party. But the essence of it all was always exactly the same. Someone would pull on his sleeve, demanding him to ' come and meet someone' . Someone in his line of work, someone up and coming, someone he should definitely rub shoulders with. Meet so and so. Talk, discuss, network. At times it really wàs lovely and interesting. But the horrible truth of the matter remained that Tom was living by his work schedule and not by his heart. A very conscious decision he’d made many years ago, that had somehow turned into a grueling reality these days.

So he replied to Charlotte in the only way he could, by truthfully confiding in her and sharing the loneliness of the ‘picture perfect actors’ behind the spotlights.

Thank you for saying that. However, I find this very doubtful… <<

>> It is the truth though, I’m afraid.

He hesitated for a moment, before daring to question her :

>> You’ve not been dating long?

              No. Just easing into it again. (Peer pressure)<<                                                        It’s been a while…<<

Tom unknowingly bit his lower lip, subsequently running his tongue over it while he wondered how he could diplomatically find out more without seeming crass or rude. Did she suffer from a bad break-up? To his surprise she very easily and clearly admitted that the only thing she ‘suffered from’ was a lonely divorce.

A divorce?

Charlotte chuckled and shook her head when Tom apologized via text - as if he had anything to do with her marital status… A short text of his followed asking her what had happened and then a third one; another apology because he reasoned his asking was ‘probably rather indiscrete’.

She was unaware that a heavy sigh escaped her lips as she delved deep into her thoughts before typing out:

                         That’s all right. I guess ‘life’ happened?<<                                                   Feels like failure though.<<

Or the death slot on the goose board. Back to square one.<<

                                           (can’t believe I just said that)<<

         Goes to show, I’m damaged goods. Steer clear ;-)<<

Her answer came out in a series of separate texts. The obvious proof her mind was still processing somewhat. Tom’s benevolent reply that she shouldn’t be too hard on herself, warmed her heard. After all, he reasoned “Sometimes it’s nice to start over? Or heal.”

                                                                  So they say… <<

Dot. End of the line.

Charlotte kept silent after this. Nothing more was to be said on the matter, was there? In London, Tom thought long and hard about a decent reply… In his heart he felt he could not end this conversation on those last words of her.

>> If memory serves me well, the book also says : “Don't give in to your fears. If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart.”

Charlotte smiled to herself as a text followed in which he reasoned “we’re not meant nor made to be alone” and that her peer pressuring friends are right in pushing her forward after nearly a year on the bench. “Someone to talk to late at night, Someone to cuddle, … not to be underestimated!”

He shook his head to himself when he caught himself typing that the end of a marriage isn’t the be all - end all. And while he fervently dreamed he would never have to experience a divorce first-hand, sometimes it was simply the right thing to do. If only you handled it well. In which case he referred to his parents and the toll it could possibly take on the young children involved. But Charlotte had no children, she was young enough to start over. And there is no harm in that.

Now this is some very cheap therapy , a mirthless grin at his own expense.

>> Not all storms come to disrupt your life, Charlotte, some come to clear your path.

A pause.

>> Besides, there’s always the prison-slot. Just a time-out until someone sets you free.

                                                       … isn’t that a Sting song?<<

>> Avoiding the point Charlotte..

                                                                                            :-) <<          Thank you for recommending the book to me though.. <<

>> I hold it close to my heart. I had a feeling you might appreciate it as well.

Charlotte heaved a content sigh and confessed that, indeed, all she wanted to to was to get home and finish the book. To her surprise he correctly guessed she would and should just do that in her garden. Good memory, young man. Bonus points for you.

She agreed with him and shared her intent of making a fresh mint tea first. Because when you read in the garden at night, this was the only way to do it right. He chuckled to himself and confessed how much he could relate to that.

Their conversation ended with wishing the other a good night and the promise of more book recommendations.

Placing his smart phone away, Tom reminisced on the sneak-peak he’d gotten of her heart and it was not what he had imagined it to be. In his eyes she was intelligent, beautiful and carefree. He never considered her broken hearted. Goes to show everybody hides behind a façade, he realised. It made him like her just a little bit more.

[nemobogaarts]

How to Decorate Your Apartment on a Low Budget?

Decorating or furnishing your apartment is a good way to make your house feel like your home. But, how much money do you want to spend on this? Chances are, you have to leave your apartment at a certain point and you are not sure if you can bring all your furniture and stuff to your next apartment. In the sequel of this blog series, we will discuss various tips on how to decorate your new home cheaply.

Furnished, unfurnished, or a bare house?

Most Expats from abroad choose a furnished home. Here you only need to bring a toothbrush and some clothes, the rest is already there. However, it is not always obvious that the house will be rented furnished. Often it is easier to get an unfurnished house if you have a pet for example. Not all house owners are happy with animals in the house and with an unfurnished apartment, the owner runs less risk of damage.

Rent a house in Amsterdam is usually lower than that of a furnished one, but keep in mind that you spend more money on the purchase of furniture, bed linen, towels, crockery, kitchen utensils, and everything else to make a house livable.

Choosing a bare house means that the house is both unfurnished and unfurnished. Here is not even a floor covering, there are no curtains and the walls are not yet covered with paint or wallpaper. This form of renting is virtually non-existent.

Go for durable

By buying items from Marktplaats, flea markets, or thrift stores you breathe new life into the second-hand items. These items are often not so trend-sensitive so you can enjoy them for a longer period. On Marktplaats you can for example set an alert for specific items you’re looking for regarding your apartment. This way you make sure you’re always the first to know about it and increase the chance of a successful purchase. Sell your closet, couch, table, or chairs again when you’re out and about. This way you’ll not only keep a nice little pocket money, but you’ll also make someone else happy with these items.

Instead of buying ‘new’ second-hand items, you can also choose to make existing items slightly different. If you have a bathroom cabinet from IKEA, you can easily set up another bowl to completely change the look of the furniture. Or give that old closet a fresh lick of paint, making the ‘look & feel’ fresher than ever. This way, you won’t need to spend a lot of money and still have something unique or new in the house.

Turn your house into a home

To make you feel at home in your new apartment, it can help to bring your personal belongings. Put pictures of your loved ones and buy some plants that will instantly make your home more homely. Create warmth by playing with different accessories, light, cushions, and other personal belongings. Please note that you are dealing with rental property and will most likely use the owner’s interior. If you want to color the wall or create a new cover for the sofa, make sure you have permission to do so first. Most homeowners will agree to modifications as long as you deliver the property in the same condition when you leave. Keep this in mind before you throw a dark color on the walls. It is often difficult to make a dark wall white again, which is what most homeowners want. Also check if it is allowed to drill into the walls to hang paintings or planks, for example. It can make a big difference to the decoration of your house, but the last thing you want is problems with your landlord. Good communication prevents problems and you will have both a happy tenant and a satisfied landlord.

I want more!

Do you have any more ideas, questions, or remarks after reading this blog? Send an e-mail to amsterdam@expathousing.com and we will contact you as soon as possible!

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[travelcenter-uk]

Intriguing Chinatowns Around the World

Chinatowns are a ubiquitous existence all around the world’s main cities – a stage to explore the Chinese culture, cuisine and design.

These are cities within cities: adventurous, bustling, full of distinctive signage, and they consist of long lines of street vendors selling unusual items, red lanterns hanging from above, speciality shops, a noted lack of big chains, a variety of dialects being spoken, the air filled with bargaining as well as the noise of the spoon hitting the wok, and multitudes of unique and exciting food choices.

Chinatowns around the world are located, from the Americas to Europe as well as Africa, Australia and Asia. The Chinese Diaspora refers to the phenomenon of Chinese migration that resulted in close to 50 million ethnic Chinese living outside of our homelands of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and are referred to as (huáqiáo) or (huáyì) and overseas Chinese in English.

While the most substantial population clusters are located in Southeast Asia and the United States, there are dozens of countries that also have significant Chinese populations, from Peru to Australia. One of the products borne from this phenomenon is Chinatowns.

Today’s Chinatown is a unique neighbourhood defined by its people, its institutions and its history – a history of welcome, rejection and acceptance. Chinese-style buildings and the narrow bustling streets give Chinatown its character.

Chinatowns are also well-known destinations to enjoy ethnic foods. Not simply Chinese cuisine, but Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian also have a place in the Chinatown experience. Each year, in late January or February, Chinese New Year is celebrated immensely in Chinatowns around the world.

Chinatowns are bustling cultural hubs that can be found in virtually every major city in the world, and they are typically located in prime downtown areas often with elaborate gateways. Here are our best Chinatowns around the world that are a must-visit.

San Francisco Chinatown

Cramped and colourful, San Francisco’s Chinatown covers 24 square blocks, houses the second biggest Chinese community outside Asia (New York’s is first). there are exotic emporia, temples, tea houses, restaurants, Chinese banks, schools, law offices, bookstores, laundries and factories recalling the sweatshops of earlier times. To enter through the front door, approach Chinatown from the Union Square area or the Financial District. Grant Avenue is the prime tourist promenade of Chinatown, but be sure to veer off to find a more authentic experience on Broadway and Stockton Street and the tiny alleyways in between.

Here, you can visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, from where those typically American-Chinese sweets originate. You can watch the deft hands of the operators folding moist cookies around slips of paper enigmatically foretelling the fate of future customers at Chinese restaurants around the world.

And if you’re looking for a hotel to stay nearby make sure you check out Fairmont San Francisco, speak to Travel Center and book your holiday to San Francisco Chinatown right now!

New York Chinatowns

New York is home to the second biggest Chinatown in North America, after San Francisco. Located in Lower Manhattan, the neighbourhood grew so fast in the latter half of the 20th century that it almost swallowed neighbouring Little Italy – although we won’t get into that right now. One of the liveliest and most eclectic Chinatowns we’ve ever come across, the area boasts cuisine from just about every Chinese region imaginable. Like London’s Chinatown, New York’s also provides a home to any number of seedy, chic and late-night bars.

Make sure you check out Wyndham Garden Chinatown/SoHo when you’re visiting New York Chinatowns on your holidays with Travel Center.

Top Tips When Exploring New York Chinatowns

Make a day trip to this suburb if you are travelling to Brooklyn Bridge. Brunch in Little Italy too because it is just around the corner.

New York City is costly; you have to pay at least $9 to $15 for breakfast or lunch if you’re in Downtown Manhattan. But if you visit Chinatown for a breakfast/lunch, it won’t break your wallet. Everything is so low-priced in New York Chinatowns.

Where to eat? Joe’s Shanghai. This restaurant has the top crab meat pork dumplings and its pretty popular with the residents. And there are a few Chatime (bubble tea) places in this suburb. Also, travel to Little Italy for a perfect dinner because it won’t be as costly as having dinner downtown.

If you want to get your day-to-day groceries and provisions, this is the place to visit. Everything is so much cheaper in this suburb.

This suburb tends to get very loud because it is so close to the main train track that links to Brooklyn. If you are a budget traveller, then this is a great place to hire a motel/apartment. This suburb is not your regular upper east side suburb so do not whine about the smell, the people, the noise and the ambience. It does have its own diverse culture.

Also, I have never seen so many Chinese Asian bakeries assemble in one suburb. This has to be the suburb with the highest amount of bakeries. They are cheap and tasty, ideal for a cheap lunch. Purchase some baked goods and fresh sweet soy milk and go to the closest park for a perfect lunch.

I have to say this has to be the safest Chinatown I have ever been to. Everyone seems to care about their own business and you feel truly safe around here no matter where you come from. You would also find old and young Chinese people hanging out in the neighbouring park at night practising Chinese dancers.

Chinatown Vancouver

Vancouver’s compact Chinatown, dating from 1885, is the biggest in Canada and the third-largest in North America (after San Francisco and New York). It stretches for several blocks east from Main Street and its centre is a 10- to 15-minute walk from downtown. On Columbia Street is the Chinese Cultural Centre, which provides a good introduction to the role of the Chinese in western Canada’s history. From esoteric Chinese herbs and spices to jade and silks, there are numerous specialist shops along East Pender and Keefer streets to fascinate even the most shopping-averse. Vancouver’s Chinatown is also the location of the world’s narrowest commercial building – the Sam Kee Building. The property is just 1.5 metres deep.

Providing a sanctuary of nature within the bustling city, the Dr Sun Yat-sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden were built by 52 artisans who came over from China in the 1980s. It is thought to be the first full-scale classical Chinese garden built outside China.  

Check out the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on your holiday to Chinatown Vancouver with Travel Center.

Chinatown Amsterdam

Wind your way through the perennial bustle of the Red Light District and out the other side of the lively Niuwmarkt square and you’ll arrive in Chinatown Amsterdam. Expanding rapidly after the Second World War, gambling houses, opium dens and restaurants sprung up in the area. These days it’s only the restaurants you’ll find in plain sight – not that that’s to say those nefarious parlours of ill repute aren’t lurking somewhere out there!            

If you’re looking for a hotel to stay nearby then check out Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American on your holidays with Travel Center.

Chinatown London

Gerrard Street, which lies between Leicester Square and Old Compton Street, is the main thoroughfare of Chinatown London. Chinese immigrants, mainly Cantonese from Hong Kong, started to settle in the area during the 1950s. Street names are subtitled in Chinese, and the tops of telephone boxes resemble mini pagodas.  

Eating out is the main attraction here, but there are also herbal and medicine shops to explore. On Sundays, a family outing day for the city’s Chinese, there is a Chinese food market. Chinese New Year is celebrated in style, with massive papier-mache lions dancing through the streets.

Make sure you check out The Montcalm Royale London House to encounter the best of Chinatown London on your holidays with Travel Center.

Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur Chinatown is positioned on Petaling Street, which itself passes amid Jalan Pudu and Jalan Sultan. A regular flea market sells everything from clothes and electronics to perfumes, CDs and street food. Expect to pass across hundreds of stalls and pre-war shophouses down Petaling Street. Hawkers, generally Chinese with a sprinkling number of Indians and Bangladeshis, sell their merchandises on either side.  

For handicraft and souvenirs, visit Central Market, or Pasar Seni. The indoor market sells numerous crafts, batiks and embroidery. Travel further from Petaling Street and discover Buddhist and Taoist temples. Follow the side streets and go into Kuala Lumpur’s unofficial red-light district.

And if you’re looking for a hotel to stay nearby make sure you check out Best Western Petaling Jaya Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.

Chinatown Singapore

It may seem odd that Singapore, with a primarily Chinese population, has a Chinatown. But this can be traced to Raffles’ original town plan, which allocated the different races to numerous districts. Today’s Chinatown is hemmed in by soaring high-rises, but remnants of the traditional could still be seen.

Conservation shophouses are where you’ll discover decades-old businesses, which stand shoulder to shoulder with even ancient places of worship. Medical halls distribute customary herbal cures and families gather to restaurants for dim sum at the weekends. Exotic sights and aromas still rule. There are rare Asian ingredients and frogs to be peeled in the fresh produce market. At certain times of the year, the streets are packed with the strong scent of durians.  

You can check into Park Regis Singapore to experience the best that Chinatown Singapore has to offer on your holidays with Travel Center.

Bangkok Chinatown

One of the oldest parts of the city, Bangkok’s Chinatown preserves thin lanes of messy markets not much changed since its formation. Overpowering food stalls, decorative Chinese memorials: loud, energetic and hyperactive, this is Bangkok at its primitive best. The beginnings of a genuine Chinatown came when King Taksin encouraged Teochew workers and dealers to move from southern China in 1767 when he picked Thonburi as his new capital.  

Chinatown’s boundaries now extend beside the Chao Phraya, loosely from River City shopping compound to the brink of Pahurat Market. Chinatown has been enormously prominent in Bangkok life since the beginning of the city. It is the centre of the gold trade and has a 200-year-old market, Taoist temples, and a 5-ton solid-gold Buddha at Wat Traimit.

Check out Grand China Hotel on your holiday to Bangkok Chinatown with Travel Center.

Melbourne Chinatown

A foodie city itself, Melbourne was always expected to have a Chinatown whose restaurants make for its main appeal. From Little Bourke Street to Spring Street, the Chinatown expanse blends the newer breed of genuine North Chinese and Sichuan restaurants with the more familiar Cantonese dumpling joints. Enticed by the 19th-century Australian gold boom, the Melbourne Chinatown community has been active since the 1850s.  

To experience the best of Melbourne Chinatown you can check out Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens on your holidays with Travel Center.

Book your holidays with Travel Center and explore these topmost intriguing Chinatowns around the world, the sights and smells of the world’s largest Chinese neighbourhoods seem omnipresent, but look closely and you’ll see that each has its distinctive sense.

Read More:- https://blog.travelcenter.uk/intriguing-chinatowns-around-the-world/

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- https://blog.travelcenter.uk

[elitetravels]

Amsterdam 10 Secrets You can Enjoy in 2019

Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherland is a vivacious full of life city where you can enjoy all sorts of things from irresistible coffee shops to the cool independent shops with local creations, theatres, literally hidden statues and curious galleries. Amsterdam was once a fishing village but in 17th to 19th century, the city became the center of world’s economy and at that time its canals and ports were fundamental part of international trade. The gorgeous city is always fills with tourists, came to see its popular attractions but besides the notable one there are so much more to Amsterdam. The wonderful city is filled with some amazing secret places that you must need to explore in your next trip. Here is the list of hidden gems of Amsterdam with cheap flights you can enjoy in 2019.

1. Waterlooplein Flea Market

Amsterdam’s oldest flea market, this is a perfect place to shop for affordable secondhand clothes and unusual knick-knacks. You can find variety of things in this treasure trove from vintage finds to antiques and unique goods all are available at Waterlooplein Flea Market. With over 300 stalls, the market is almost always crowded with locals as few of tourists know about this place. Still, it’s definitely worth visiting place to meet the locals and to explore the true market culture of Amsterdam.

2. Bloemenmarkt

One of its kind, Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world where you can find colorful freshly bloomed flowers sold from houseboats lining the canals. Visiting this place is a must when you travel to Amsterdam. There are many stalls, selling bulbs which can be exported. Every day, 15 florists come together to bring locals the best of their crops. They also sell beautiful souvenirs that you can buy to take back with you.

3. Amsterdam Riding School

This riding school holds special meaning in Netherlands as it is one of the oldest riding school and also last remaining city riding schools in entire Europe. The historical school’s upper level has elegantly decorated foyer which gives you the feel of 19th century bourgeois. You can enjoy a good cup of coffee here while watching local kids taking their riding lessons. At the back of building there are 55 horses and ponies and yes, visitors are allowed to roam the stables and pet the majestic creatures.

4. The 9 Streets or SoHo of Amsterdam

The famous 9 streets in Amsterdam are also known as SoHo of city comprised of a variety of specialty shops. You can get amazed with the variety of things 9 streets shops offers, from adorable vintage shops to handmade jewelry. There are so many beautiful places to peruse in this small but amazing area. Besides shops, you can also find the most authentic Dutch restaurants here. SoHo is located just around the corner from Dam square, once you done with your shopping spree in this secret gem you can continue your trip exploring museums.

5. Schreierstoren

If you get emotional to the goodbye scenes in movies then Schreierston is definitely your kind of place. The older defense tower of Amsterdam, also known as Weeping tower because the wives of many sailors waved good-bye to their beloved husband s from this tower as they set off on their ships, towards the sea. This is the point from where Henry Hudson left to found the New Amsterdam, the Big Apple back in 1609. Now days, the Weeping Tower is filled with housing memorabilia and a café, a perfect place to grab a quick drink before continuing your journey.

6. KattenKabinet

Are you a cat lover? If yes, then KattenKabinet museum is made for you. The unique place to explore in Amsterdam solely devoted to works depicting cats. The stunning museum is filled with amazing art boasts hundreds of paintings and drawings from notorious artists. Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt are most famed artists whose works are featured in museum. Another amazing this about the KattenKabinet is that it is located inside a 7th century house that was once the filming location for famous movie Ocean’s twelve.

7. Pancakes

Though, it’s not a secret but your trip to Amsterdam is incomplete if you not try panenkoeken of any sort. Pancakes are new entry in eateries but quickly make a name for it. You can choose from wide range of pancake options from pancake pie to American version of the food, there’s no pancake left overlooked. The famous Pnenkoeken differs from other restaurants in a way that they serve little thinner pancakes with sweet or savory toppings. The ideal place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whatever time you want to enjoy the delicious pancakes.

8. Mediamatic

A place with perfect amalgamation of science, technology, art and culture. It is a cultural institution along the water nearby Central Station looks amazing both in summers and winters. There is a restaurant in old greenhouse, a unique eatery experience you can enjoy as there are green through and through here. Mediamatic endeavors workshops and events such as how you can grow your own fungi or how to produce food in a city with aquaponics. It is also a good place to take your kids to make them curious about various things.

9. In ‘t Aepjen

Don’t miss a chance to drink a great beer in an ideally Dutch brown bar, a place where once broke sailors traded monkeys in exchange for drinks. Located on the fringes of the Red Light District near the Amsterdam Central Station.  Founded in 1519, makes it one of the oldest bars in city. Its name In ‘t Aepjen refers to the ‘In The Monkeys’ the time when sailors pay for drinks using monkeys.

10. Gable Stones in Begijnhof

This amazing place is though not a secret anymore as it was few years back. The historic Amsterdam’s Begijnhof dates back to the middle Ages where you should see the secret wall of gable stones in a dead end alleyway close to one of the courtyard’s entrance. The colorful plaques depict the trade of the residents of house and pictures here show the names of homeowners and their occupations. Read about Umrah Packages from UK

[funnynewsheadlines]

139 Times People Found The Weirdest And Most Amazing Items In Thrift Stores, Flea Markets And Garage Sales (New Pics)

The best part about shopping at thrift stores is that you never know what you are going to find. Most stores these days have a generic theme – you have a basic expectation of what they sell. But thrift stores offer objects from all walks of life. You could find things that have been stashed in someone’s attic for 50 years; old books, LPs, trophies, clothes, electronics… All have belonged to others and have their own unique story to tell. Exciting, isn’t it?

Sure, 95% of it is junk. But, as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so there is always some value there if you look hard enough! This list finds value mainly in the weird and wonderful; there are some truly bizarre objects here. The Facebook group  ‘Weird Secondhand Finds That Just Need To Be Shared’  is a goldmine of oddities and curios, and as a follow on to previous posts here here and here, we just had to share the latest finds.

Scroll down below to check out the best of them for yourself, and head down to your local thrift store this weekend!

Image credits: Jonny N Emerick

Weird and unusual things at yard sales n yes it came home.

Image credits: Maryann Marciano Westerlund

Now I have my very own pair of…. these

Image credits: Natalie Baldassano

Found it in Canton Tx. Her name is Mrs. Bocephus Buck

Image credits: Lisa Allen Skates

I bought an antique (1910ish) glass eye at a vintage show, and had a local jeweller set it into a necklace! I love it!

Image credits: Alison Camilleri

Weird find that may be used to close a bottle?

Image credits: Matthew Reeder-Willson

I completely forgot about this find from around 3 years ago in Franklin, VA. He’s a pillowcase but I can’t deal with that so he’s on my wall

Image credits: Samantha Gizara

Woot woot

Image credits: Emily Moore Ratchford

Found at Savers St. Charles, MO and yes they came home with me

Image credits: Matthew VanMatre

In honor of the other bold and brash post, may I present my lucky goodwill finds of bold and brash and one very handsome squidward

Image credits: Mckenzie Morris

Hes 8 ft tall

Image credits: Kaya Fisher

CTRL+ALT+DEL-icious

Image credits: Joshua Natzel

Antique shopping in Delaware, Ohio

Image credits: Kevin Winters

Found this at the antique mall in Alvin, TX for $65.00. Did not buy

Image credits: Tabi Rose Woodall

Stuffed raccoons playing cards. I regret not buying this

Image credits: Kimberly Haynes

Found and purchased…framed and hung in our restaurant

Image credits: Billy Scrape

Unmmmmmmmm

Image credits: Philip Schnepp

Good art makes you think

Image credits: Austin Nedwick

Found at a flea market in Dallas. Couldn’t resist at $15. She originally signed it to Bruce but I doubt many folks will notice the edit

Image credits: Michael Hogue

A friend gave this to me. A congratulation letter 1941, from a dentist to his patient, on the birth of her son. Since the baby was born with no teeth, the dentist sent a set to the new baby. Teeth attached at bottom of letter

Image credits: Dave Graham

Best yard sale find of the day, and it’s not even 7am yet!

Image credits: Cecelia Dean Ralston

For only $350, possibly the most powerful curse ever

Image credits: Kristian Steve Jensen

Cat butt purse for $3…I love the little feet, but I’m wondering if the balls and the x were really necessary

Image credits: Haylie Hammond

Never thought I’d have the privilege to post here until my husband found this at a local op shop. Such a happy bride in this painting

Image credits: Sheree Johnstone

Greetings from the Amsterdam design scene

Image credits: Ollé Gellért

New Goodwill mug

Image credits: Tanya Whittington Sisson

Found a beautiful, odd wall mirror. I love it

Image credits: Carissa Unacorn

Round2Resale Denison,Texas

Image credits: Kimberly Miller

She was judging me as I walked by. Let’s give her a name

Image credits: Elizabeth Castorina Wright

Lovely???

Image credits: Juli Tyzack

Dinner party anyone?

Image credits: Tammy Falcon

I can honestly say I’ve never thought of combining the two

Image credits: Adrianne Daggett

I found this tiny fridge taped shut in the toy section of the MyUnique Thrift Store in the Bronx and not only was it full of tiny produce but they are all office supplies!

Image credits: Jordan Mangual

Didn’t buy, might have to go back for!

Image credits: Elena Morningstar

Saw this in a secondhand store in TN in 2011. I’ll forever regret that I didn’t buy it. Could have been the best conversation piece ever

Image credits: Nancy Bennett

Why? And what does the rest of the set look like? And why?

Image credits: Laura OfMars

Wut

Image credits: Alex Foster

Found this at a yard sale last summer. The guy wanted it gone ASAP!! I scored it for only $10!!! It still turns!! I’m currently using it as a safe since I can get inside it!!

Image credits: James Bochman

in case you need a teepee for your wee-wee

Image credits: Ashton Heard

We found an actual pie. It’s been hardened somehow. It feels like stone. Smells just like how you’d imagine an old pie would smell

Image credits: Dominique Judd

After weeks and weeks of scrolling and being amazed at everyone’s awesome finds, I can finally contribute… introducing the Dwight Schrute swimsuit… yes I definitely brought this home for $4

Image credits: Shannon Tremblay

Weird find doppelgänger. No relation whatsoever.

Image credits: Jenn McKane Snyder

Savannah, Ga

Image credits: Tracy Ann Thomas

Sex Stone… I have questions… is this for good luck? Do you use it in the bed? What are it’s powers? But for a mere $5 you could have it.

Image credits: April Mai

Id really like to know the origin story of this one piece COVERED in stuffed animals. It was also found with a bubble one piece and a flower one piece, are they all related? Did not come home with me, $65

Image credits: Laura Vander Giessen

Groana Lisa

Image credits: Beverly Miller Gallerani

An unexpected needlepoint project…

Image credits: Lisa Alisio

Soooo…this creepy shrunken apple head doll…yes it came home with me

Image credits: Amanda Parsley

I need ideas for what I can make for my firefighter husband with this lovely bit of fabric I found at a small town thrift store

Image credits: Kendall Chmielewski

In that case, I’ll take two!

Image credits: Jennifer Chavers

First post here! I don’t know what in the actual heck this is! It was very heavy and the underside was a brown Terra-cotta type clay. I did not buy it… The tag was $60

Image credits: Grace Mirchandani

My mom found this on one of her thrift store adventures. I gave it to my husband for an emergency

Image credits: ‎Kat Rodriguez‎

Goodwill find, definitely went home with me

Image credits: Cassie Parsons

I bought my house in 2010

Image credits: Keiko Childs

When I moved in, my mom and I were putting things in the attic and I found this doll wearing this dress, a Christmas tree, and a pair of crutches. The doll was bald at the time, had a few broken fingers, and her face was cracked. I noticed a signature on the doll and found out that she would probably be worth about $50 if she wasn’t damaged. I was creeped out and knew I wouldn’t keep her so I tossed her down the attic access and she shattered on the ground. (Yes, that was kinda dumb.). I threw the pieces away in the dumpster.

One year later I opened my laundry room door and she is standing there, unbroken, and now with hair. You guys. My mom had gone behind me and picked her out of the trash, glued her back together, modified a costume wig to fit her (I’d estimate she is about two feet tall), and waited a YEAR to scare me. If you knew my mom, you would know how ridiculous this is. She is very quiet and doesn’t joke around a lot, but when she does she goes hard, haha! I kept the doll for a couple years as a Halloween decoration and gave her away to someone who actually liked her

Loving all the weird cross stitch pieces!. Here’s one which I thought would be good to contribute; this little beauty that was found at work today

Image credits: Lauren Stacey

The lonely life of a thrift store Matador”, starring: Adam Lambert

Image credits: Karen Christine

had heard tell of the legendary VOMIT CLOCK, yet never once had I beheld it with mine own eyes… but today the antiquing gods smiled down and blessed me with this absolute BEAUT

Image credits: Kelly M. Remo

Saw this coffee cup at a local flea market and was prepared to pay whatever it cost since it looks exactly like my husband. I put a cactus in his head cause he can be a real prick. Septum piercing added due to public outcry

Image credits: Kristina Hinesly

Psychedelic baby tie for only $6.99 anyone? Sadly it didn’t come home with us because my boyfriend was not hooked on the feeling

Image credits: Emma Truitt

Another strange find today. I mean, “They’ll never run away!”

Image credits: Joshua Clites

Our crazy find!! A Jeff Goldblum shower curtain!!! We had to buy it! Found it at a local goodwill

Image credits: Melanie Campbell Couch

Litterally just a rock with a cord, didn’t really do anything when I plugged it in lol

Image credits: Salma Garcia

The price tag is the best part.

Image credits: Savannah Rae Lowery

Don’t let the wheelchair distract you from the perfect coffee table for parents with toddlers

Image credits: Philip Schnepp

Y’all!! Call off the search!….I found him!! The placement of the eyes is the best!!

Image credits: Judy Ebert

My thrift store had $1 mystery boxes for stuff they can’t get rid of. I decided to buy one, and it ended up having 35 lorax plushes inside

Image credits: Jared Gomez

Donated to St. Vincent De Paul’s in Uniontown, PA. My religious mother-in-law with the best sense of humor volunteers there and snagged them for me

Image credits: Jamie Tait Pikulsky

Estate Sale Diary 1967

Image credits: Sarah Cooper

his was nestled amongst other older books in a lot donated to my online Shop. (I have no intention of selling it). Her name was Sarah W and she was btwn 10-12 when this was written. Filled with normal stuff like Girl Scouting, homework, go to church with your friends one day and try to

SUMMON SPIRITS with a Ouija Board the next

You know, normal stuff

they bought it

Image credits: Alli Nicole

Goes to goodwill on my lunch break. Some boys are making a fuss about whether or not they should “just buy it”, “come on dude it’s cool”. Boys come down the aisle with large frame. Tries to catch a glimpse of the frame out of curiosity…

Is met with this.

$7 at a local thrift store (Indianapolis, IN). I’ve been holding onto this pic for about 5 years, waiting for the right group to share it with

Image credits: Kate McDaniel

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[sferailyardartsdistrict]

photo-eye Gallery

Kindred Spirits: The Familiar and the Wild Featuring Keith Carter, David L. Deming, Pentti Sammallahti, and Maggie Taylor

Opening & Artist Reception: Friday, June 28, 5-7 PM

On View: June 28- August 24, 2019

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

photo-eye Gallery is thrilled to announce Kindred Spirits: The Familiar and the Wild, featuring a selection of photographs by Keith Carter, Pentti Sammallahti, and Maggie Taylor, and sculptures by David L. Deming. As humans, we are part of a vast, interconnected system that ineffably bonds us to the rest of Earth’s creatures. We share our space with a plethora of beings, and the roots of our inter-species relationships run deep. Indeed, animals have been at the heart of human existence for thousands of years as protection, inspiration, assistance, spiritual guidance, and companionship. These works invite viewers to examine the nuanced ways in which we relate to and connect with the animals that surround us every day. Kindred Spirits will open Friday, June 28, 2019, with a reception held from 5-7pm corresponding with the Last Friday Art Walk in the Railyard Arts District.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Keith Carter’s photographs are simultaneously ethereal and corporeal. His high-contrast black-and-white style seeks to surpass straightforward portraiture and dive headlong into the mythological. Carter’s east Texas roots have greatly influenced his penchant for creating extraordinary photographs from encounters with everyday objects, people, and animals. His poetic and enigmatic style of visual storytelling looks, as he says, “around the edges for those little askew moments” that make up our lives.

David L. Deming’s world of lively canine sculptures captures the artist’s love for dogs and presents a whimsical look at four-legged behavior at its best. His extensive and unique collection of painted steel and lacquered steel dog sculptures, which range in scale from 56 inches to eight feet tall, are assembled using steel pipe, vintage hand tools, sheet metal, and other material that the artist has skillfully welded together, creating life-like depictions of memorable pets in rather human-like scenarios.

Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti depicts nature, eroded and broken down by civilization, but does not put people and the environment in opposite camps. He sees an equal relationship, in which the power stemming from the environment frees us from alienation and cosmic loneliness. His atmospheric, black-and-white photographs highlight the complexities that exist between humans, animals, and the places in which we share space.

Maggie Taylor’s process involves scanning and photographing plants, animals, illustrations, old photographs, and found objects to create enigmatic narrative scenes. Her photomontage works are fantastical, surreal, and open up to a multitude of interpretations. Each of her photographs is a carefully composed combination of many different images, collected from a variety of sources. She creates collaged digital artwork that transports viewers into dreamlike worlds inhabited by everyday objects.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Born in Madison, WI, Keith Carter is a contemporary American photographer now based in Beaumont, Texas. Carter uses many techniques and approaches to conceptually portray his statements as a photographer, including silver gelatin, wet plate collodion, photograms, and pigment prints. His acclaimed work in photography has led to over a hundred solo shows across 13 countries. His work is in a number of private and museum photography collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, George Eastman House, J. Paul Getty Museum, MFA Houston, and SFMoMA.

David L. Deming has enjoyed a successful career as a sculptor, teacher, and arts administrator. He has exhibited his sculpture in over 100 competitive and invitational exhibitions nationally and internationally with over 50 solo and two-person exhibitions. His sculpture is in over 100 public and private collections including The Columbus Museum of Art, The Arkansas Art Center, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Pentti Sammallahti was born in Helsinki, Finland, and made his first photograph at age 11. He has spent most of his career as a photographer traveling widely from Europe to Siberia, Japan, India, Nepal, Turkey, and South Africa. Since 1979, he has published 13 books and portfolios and has received awards such as the Samuli Paulaharju Prize of the Finnish Literature Society and the Uusimaa Province Art Prize. Sammallahti’s work can be found in museum collections including the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris; Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; Moderna Museet / Fotografiska Museet, Stockholm; and the Finnish State Collections and the Photographic Museum of Finland.

Maggie Taylor is an American artist, born in Cleveland, OH. She won the Santa Fe Center for Photography's Project Competition in 2004. As a pioneer in the field of digital arts, her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and Europe and is represented within the permanent collections of several galleries and museums. Finding inspiration in 19th-century photographs, taxidermy specimens, mounted insects, vintage toys, seashells, feathers, and other artifacts she finds at flea markets, online auctions, and in her own backyard, Taylor creates surreal pigmented digital prints that call to mind tintype photographs from another world.

photo-eye Gallery 541 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-988-5152 x202 | gallery@photoeye.com.

[etiasvisaschengen]

Netherlands Sightseeing: 40 Must-Visit Places in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular places to visit in Europe and for good reason. The city is known for its rich history, unique cultural scene, picturesque canal network, and of course, diverse tourist attractions.

Whether you want to go museum hopping or marvel at the architecture, Amsterdam offers something exciting and unique at every turn. To make the most out of your trip, check out these top 40 places you should definitely visit in Amsterdam!

    Top 40 Places to Visit on Your Trip to Amsterdam

  1. Rijksmuseum

If you want to learn Dutch arts and history, this national museum is the place to be!

Opened in 1885, Rijksmuseum currently displays around 8,000 objects. This includes antiques, medieval sculptures, traditional handicrafts, and artworks from renowned painters Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Veemer.

Did You Know? Aside from art, Rijksmuseum also houses an extensive collection of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts.

  2. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House pays tribute to Anne and her family who lived at the time of World War 2. It displays information about her life, her famous diary, and other memorabilia.

Visit this place in Amsterdam for an eye-opener and memorable experience.

  3. Royal Palace Of Amsterdam

This is one of the three palaces in the Netherlands where the Dutch royalty lives. The palace remains open to visitors who want to see and experience the grandiosity of royal life.

Feel free to marvel at the architecture and lavish interiors while visiting!

  4. Van Gogh Museum

Another must-see attraction in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum.

The museum displays more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters from Van Gogh himself. It perfectly shows his extraordinary talent but it also makes you feel sorry for his tragic life.

Did You Know? Every year, 1.5 million visitors visit the Van Gogh Museum, further proving that it’s one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam!

  5. Rembrandt House Museum

Van Gogh isn’t the only one who has a museum dedicated to his art.

Famous Dutch painter Rembrandt’s works are displayed in his former house, now known as the Rembrandt House Museum. The place features some of his great works and contemporary art pieces.

  6. Jewish Historical Museum

Head over to the Jewish Historical Museum if you want to learn about Jewish history, religion, and culture. 

The building dates back to 1670 and features a large collection of religious artifacts and artworks.

  7. Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Museum is an international museum where you can admire modern and contemporary art. It is home to almost 90,000 artworks, including famous pieces made by Picasso, Rothko, Monet, and Warhol among many others!

  8. National Maritime Museum

Interested in nautical history? Prepare to be blown away by the National Maritime Museum’s 18 rooms of exhibits and artifacts. Each one details how the Dutch dominated the seas back in the 1600s.

Tip: Don’t leave this museum without seeing the replica of Amsterdam, an 18th-century ship that sailed the East Indies.

  9. NEMO Science Museum

This world-class science center features 5 floors, each filled with interactive exhibits that can appeal to both kids and adults.

The NEMO Science Museum also includes a playground, a museum shop, and a rooftop café where you can enjoy the views of the city.

  10. Museum of the Tropics

Founded in 1864, the Museum of the Tropics features art and everyday objects from the Netherlands’ former colonies. This attraction can fascinate anyone with an interest in the country’s history.

  11. West Church

Westerkerk (West Church) is the largest church in Amsterdam. It is famous for its Renaissance architecture as well as its bell tower which is regarded as the city symbol.

Tip: For a truly unique experience, climb up the bell tower to enjoy the sweeping views of Amsterdam.

  12. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest and most popular park in Amsterdam. It features several restaurants and cafés, an open-air theater, a skate rental shop, and a rose garden. 

You can easily spend your day here without feeling bored! 

  13. Sloterplas

Head over to Sloterplas Lake for an exciting water adventure in Amsterdam! Here, you can enjoy canoeing, sailing, and even water cycling. But you’re also free to walk, jog, or bike along the promenade.

  14. Bloemenmarkt

The Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market) is one of the unique places to visit in Amsterdam. Don’t leave the market without buying freshly cut blooms (preferably tulips) for which the Netherlands is famous!

  15. Tulip Museum

For those who want to know the history behind the Netherlands ’ national flower, you can visit the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam.

It showcases the history of tulips through pictures. There’s also a flower shop by the entrance!

  16. Amsterdamse Bos Park

If New York has Central Park, Amsterdam has Amsterdamse Bos Park.

Spend the day here where you can simply relax, take a walk, ride a bike, have a picnic, and so much more.

Did You Know? Amsterdamse Bos is approximately three times the size of New York’s Central Park.

  17. Efteling Park

Do you prefer something exciting instead? Visit Efteling Park in Amsterdam.

This amusement park features a large number of theme rides and attractions based on Dutch fairy tales and legends. You’ll surely have a blast riding every one of them! 

  18. Amsterdam Dungeon

For those who are a little daring, head over to Amsterdam Dungeon.

This tourist attraction transports you inside a church where you can learn over 500 years of Dutch dark history. It’s definitely not the place for the faint of heart!

  19. Canal Belt

Don’t leave Amsterdam without exploring the Canal Belt and getting to know the history behind the city’s network of canals.

This is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Amsterdam, even earning its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list!

  20. Begijnhof

Situated in the center of Amsterdam’s circular canal system, Begijnhof is a must-visit district in the city. It is home to the English Reformed Church and the city’s oldest preserved wooden house.

  21. Dam Square

This is one of the best places to go sightseeing and people-watching in Amsterdam. It is also conveniently located near the city’s most famous attractions so you can easily start your tour here.

  22. National Monument

On the opposite side of the Dam Square is the National Monument. It is a spectacular 22-meter-high obelisk that serves as a memorial for the victims of the Second World War.

  23. Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk, or Old Church, is the oldest structure in Amsterdam. It was originally built in 1306 as a Catholic church. Today, it is a center for contemporary art and heritage.

  24. Nieuwe Kerk

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is another impressive building in Amsterdam. It is currently the church with the highest order in the city. It also hosts several public functions such as antique fairs and art exhibitions, every year.

  25. Torensluis Bridge

Torensluis Bridge is one of the most spectacular sights in Amsterdam. It is one of the oldest bridges in the city where tourists can enjoy a quick stroll and watch exhibitions that take place on the bridge.

  26. Westergas 

What used to be a gasworks in Amsterdam is now a lively meeting point for all kinds of culture.

Here, tourists can find a wide range of cultural expressions from film and photography to theatre and performance among many others.

  27. Artis Zoo

For those who are animal loves, you’ll surely enjoy a day at the Artis Zoo! You can see all your favorite animals here including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions among many others. There’s even a museum dedicated to microbes to pique your interest! 

Tip: The zoo is open every day but Saturday is the best time to go. You can enjoy special performances and music!

  28. Hortus Botanicus

Not really an animal lover? You can visit this place instead. Hortus Botanicus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Here, you can find a myriad of plant species and some animals that would surely fascinate you.

  29. IJ-hallen

Want to go shopping? Head over to IJ-hallen, the biggest and most unique flea market in Europe! Don’t leave the place without buying second-hand items such as clothing, accessories, furniture, and more.

�� 30. De Negen Straatjes

Another great place for shopping in Amsterdam is De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets).

It consists of nine side streets in the city, hence the name, where you can enjoy historical architecture and old-world charm on top of the shopping scene.

  31. Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market is one of the Dutch’s favorite street markets. Here, you can find plenty of clothes, souvenirs, and delicacies at an extremely cheap price!

  32. Het Schip

For those who want to marvel at unique architecture, go to Het Schip in Amsterdam. This residential building features the only example of Brick Expressionism architecture style. There’s also a lovely cafe and a museum souvenir shop in the area.

  33. Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw is one of the finest concert halls in the world. It features an impressive organ, amazing orchestra music, and world-class performances. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam if you love music!

  34. De Wallen

Whether you want to experience something new or you’re just simply curious, De Wallen is a place you shouldn’t miss.

This is Amsterdam’s infamous red-light district which is surrounded by old-school bars, single room apartments, and “coffee” shops. 

Tip: Dutch police regularly patrols the area so don’t be scared to roam around this neighborhood! 

  35. Leidseplein Square

For the best nightlife in Amsterdam, head over to Leidseplein Square! Here, you can find a vast range of bars and pubs that serve different European beers. You can also come across street performances and stand up comedy skits in this square.

  36. Heineken Brewery

If you are a beer enthusiast, you should not pass up on the opportunity to visit Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam. You can learn more about the art of beer-making by taking a tour around the brewery.

  37. Rozentheater

Want to experience a lively night out in Amsterdam? Instead of drinking, you can head over to Rozentheater to watch improv comedy shows. You’ll surely have a blast with the hilarious antics of the cast!

  38. EYE-Film Museum

For the film buff, the EYE-Film Museum is the place to be! Here, you can watch screenings of both Dutch and international films. This is one of the best ways to learn more about the history and art behind filmmaking.

  39. De Bakkerswinkel

Craving for a delicious piece of cake? Head over to De Bakkerswinkel which is situated on one of the oldest streets in the city. It is a quaint café known for its cakes, quiche, brioche, tea, and coffee.

  40. Foodhallen

Don’t leave Amsterdam without visiting Foodhallen! This vast indoor food market features a wide variety of cuisine around the world that would satisfy your taste buds. Must-try dishes include fried dumplings, falafel pitas, and spinach bitterballs.

  6 Essential Travel Tips When Visiting Amsterdam

  To make the most out of your trip in Amsterdam, remember these essential travel trips!

  1. Prepare for the Weather

Weather in Amsterdam can be pretty unpredictable. During the summer, occasional rain showers should be expected while in fall, it ranges from freezing cold to sweltering heat.

To be safe, pack an umbrella and some jackets so you can easily adapt to the ever-changing weather.

2. Bring a Universal Travel Adapter

In addition to the proper clothing, you also need to bring along a travel adapter to charge your devices.

This is due to the fact that the Netherlands uses type C and F electrical plugs instead of type A or B in the United States.

  3. Get an Amsterdam Travel Pass

If you’re looking to enjoy the best of Amsterdam, then consider investing in an Amsterdam Pass. 

The card grants you free access to over 30 attractions in the city! This can help you save a lot of money, depending on the length of your stay.

  4. Mind the Cyclists

Cycling is pretty popular in Amsterdam. Everywhere you look, you’ll find locals and tourists alike riding a bike.

So, always observe your surroundings when crossing the road or walking along a busy promenade.

  5. Rent a Bike

With that said, you should definitely try biking for yourself. You can easily explore the city’s tourist spots by doing so! Plus, you don’t have to take the public transpo which is pretty expensive.

  6. Explore Beyond Amsterdam

Your trip to the Netherlands should not be limited to Amsterdam. Feel free to explore beyond the capital city and you’ll be surprised by the amazing wonders the other towns offer!

  From world-class museums and architecture to a unique shopping scene and lively nightlife, Amsterdam offers a wide variety of attractions that can satisfy every kind of tourist.

  ALSO READ: 10 Must-Visit Party Cities in Europe for the Best Nightlife Experience

  Want to visit these tourist spots in Amsterdam? Make sure you have your ETIAS Visa waiver ready if you’re travelling by 2021.

The E.U. Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an important authorization process for visitors to the Schengen zone in Europe. It has been introduced to keep all of residents and visitors alike safe.

For more information about ETIAS, contact us today! We are a non-government organization that offers ETIAS visa assistance for tourists who are planning to visit Europe. 

Liked this infographic? Visit our news page for more travel inspiration.

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[lamoille-house]

Explore the Hidden Gem of Lisbon

The second oldest capital city of Europe is Lisbon. A city tour of Lisbon showcases the attractive sights and sounds of the Portuguese city. Lisbon was once a home to the world’s greatest explorers like Magellan, Vasco Da Gama and Prince Henry. Lisbon is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches ranging from dune backed sands to little sheltered is coves. Lisbon is a great for a weekend escape. It’s a multicultural, passionate, multifaceted city. It conquers you with its mix of modern and old fashion.

With its world class restaurants, style and rich history in art and culture, Portugal’s city remains high on every traveller’s hit list. Whether you’re just here for a short visit or thinking of sticking around a little longer this checklist will help you find the very best thing. Sticking around a little longer you will find the most important landmarks, get a taste of some traditional Portuguese food and uncover hidden gems in the coolest neighbourhood around the city.

Discover the things to do during your visit here to get into the heart of what makes Lisbon so wonderful.

Find a bakery: Lisbon will certainly become a favourite destination for visitors with a sweet tooth, right from the famous Pasteis de Nata in Belem to tartes de maca to travesseiros in nearby Sintra. Lisbon is a city in to indulge your senses.

Ride Tram 28: Like San Francisco in the United States, Lisbon is a city famed for its historic, rattling tram lines. Tram 28 has been working its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district for decades. The journey start from below the palm spotted hills of Graca and weaves towards the hair pin alleys of Escolas Gerais before pulling up to a halt beneath the gorgeous domes of the Estrela Basilica.

Lisbon is one of the European cities located so close to the stunning seafront. From its miles of dune backed sands to sheltered coves, Lisbon is a home to numerous beautiful sandy beaches along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a paradise for beach lovers.

The vibrant nightlife: In Lisbon sunset does not mean the end of the day. The day has just started for the locals, especially on the weekends and during the summer holidays from hidden bars to clubs, cellar to beautiful rooftop bars to fancy cocktail places. There is definitely something for everyone. Bairro Alto is the liveliest district in Central Lisbon for its nightlife. It is well known for its vibrant bars and quirky pubs. People tend to spill out of the different bars and drink together on the narrow winding cobbled streets. It is common with students, so the prices of drinks are highly competitive.

Perfect place for foodies: Lisbon has several restaurants to offer with the Portuguese food being delicious and diverse. You will find a hatful of street food option and local restaurants. Lisbon being renowned for its seafood, you will find some of the best cafes and restaurants along with varied award winning fish dishes. It is a good place to start your day when Lisbon is the O Arrastao. But if you want try authentic food, a trip to Taberna is a must.

Go treasures hunting at Feira da ladra: For a very local experience go treasure hunting at Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s most famous flea market. Every Tuesday and Saturday here you will find hundreds of stalls selling literally anything.

Boat tour along Tagus: speaking of sunset one of the most romantic things to do in Lisbon is going on a sail boat tour along the Tagus and actually enjoy the sunset views from there while sipping a glass of champagne or an icy cold beer.

Lisbon is famous for open air museum because of its fascinating street art. There is street art tour that takes you around to admire the beauty of the city. Each nook and corner of the city you will find creative masterpieces, showcasing the colourful ambience of this artistic city.

Find the best souvenirs from Lisbon: if relatives and friends have asked for a souvenir and you are wondering what to buy in Lisbon this time get them something different from those boring pins and shot glasses. At Conserveira de Lisboa all they sell is premium quality canned food, the shop has been running since 1950 when canned food was popular because it is affordable and but now it is become gourmet canned food. You will find here the typical sardines, tuna and mackerels together with mousse of codfish and stuffed squids and other yummy stuff.

Go underwater in the Lisbon oceanariums: Located out in the blue waters of the Tagus Estuary, the huge Lisbon Oceanariums rises like a hulking aircraft carrier. You can get up close to colourful puffer fish as well as watch the sharks. You’ll see curious moray eels and meet the cuddly penguins.

Watch the sunset from the roof of a car park: many Miradourous offer fantastic views of the city. It is one of the best places to watch the sun go down in Park Bar. This quirky bar is located on top of a multi storey car park. To get to it you have to enter the car park and take the dirty graffities stairs to the top level. As you are going up there’s no indication that there’s a bar at the end.

Shopping: Go full hipster at LX Factory. Formerly it was known as a collection of factories. The LX Factory has been regenerated and turned into a hipster hotspot full of boutique clothing stores, restaurants and bars. It tends to attract a slightly older and mellower crowd than the Bairro Alto and is ideal if you’re looking for a fun evening with good food and good cocktail but not a night that lasts till 7 in the morning.

Lisbon is a cultural wonder yet besides Fado, street art routes, literature, history and museums there is also a room for adventurous thing to do.

Motorbike Tour: if you want to enjoy a unique experience you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the south of Portugal on a 4 day motorbike tour through Southern Portugal along the Vincentian Coast.

Visiting Lisbon and not going for surfing is like visiting Barcelona and not trying the famous bread with tomato or like going to Amsterdam and not hopping on a bike. Learn to surf with a local surfer. The better way to get to know a city than to get tips from a local on the most unique experiences is to feel it for yourself. This will make your trip truly unforgettable.

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[runawaytoseville-blog]

Coming back to the U.S. - The new old ways

1- Coming from a latin country to study in the United States, I have learned to adjust to the "American way". The first thing I noticed on my first day of college in Illinois was that people seemed not to care much about how they were dressing, therefore the first thing I did was stop caring about how I dressed, in order to fit in. The opposite happened when I arrived in Seville, Spain. Every single person in the streets seemed like carefully chose what they were going to wear, and the way they presented themselves to the world, and there I was again, adapting my style so that i would fit in (which was very hard in the hot weather of South Spain). This process was much more than choosing what to wear in the morning, was also a process of realizing how each culture present themselves, and that after all there is nothing we should conform if we are giving away a piece of ourselves. I now understand that being comfortable, and true to myself is more important than "fitting in".

2- My parents met each other in Spain, while my father was doing his masters in Madrid, in a certain way I feel more connected to him because of this experience that we both had. It is such a magical moment to study abroad, which me and him already shared, but now that we have had similar experiences, it created a bigger bond between us.

Since my first study abroad experience in 2014 when I lived in London, my parents have been very trusting of me, and have given me privacy and freedom. When I came to the United States things change even more, they knew that I was "on my own" for good, and I thought that they could not be more trusting of me than that. I got surprised with the amount of autonomy I got while in Europe. There was a week where I flew to the Netherlands and just let them know when I arrived at the airport in Amsterdam. This could be a problem even if I was flying inside the country in the US without letting them know. But there I was, getting a new stamp on my passport, and they were just proud I have organized the trip and saved money to do it without their help.

3- Whenever I come back home to Brazil I have some problems with staying in my parents house. They are not controlling, and they believe I have enough responsibility to make decisions by myself, but just having to tell them where I am going, and what time I am coming back, or if I am coming back, is a struggle to me. I am so used to living my life without having to answer questions, that having to do it seems like I am being controlled more than they mean to. I honestly do not expect them to change, I know that as long as I am not doing anything illegal they are never going to say no to me, and I also know that as long as I am financially dependent on them and living under their roof I should respect their parenting style and their rules, as I would expect my children to.

4- To revisit Spain as soon as possible, but also to keep on studying Spanish and keeping in contact with the friends I made abroad. I felt especially in love with the Netherlands, and finding a job that would allow me to live there when I graduate is my new goal.

5- Traveling with other people is hard, sometimes even your best-friend and you have different "traveling styles". If I am planning on a trip with anyone, I will know better and set some rules and agreements to minimize discussions and stress.

I also learned that I can be my best company sometimes. On my first two days in Spain I stayed in Madrid by myself. Just thinking about it made me nervous before going, but I had a really good time and it marked the beginning of a four month long process of self love. It is funny to think that I had to go all the way to Spain to truly know how to love myself, but it was what happened. More and more I pushed myself to do something new alone, and after a while even I, who always prefered company than being alone, found out that I can be my own company. This lesson was the number one I learned while studying in Seville, although it has little to do with the city itself, it was one of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my entire life.

6- During my time abroad I took tapas classes. In the begging, I enrolled in the class because I thought it would be easy and fun. It was fun, but not so easy. Each week I learned three different recipes and a lot about food in Spain (which is a very important aspect of their culture). Now I am cooking much more than I used to before studying abroad, and using all the skills I have learned in the class.

I also went to various flea markets all around Europe. I have a strong passion for antiques and real vintage pieces. It may sound weird, but I became an expert in bargaining for a better price. In the United States we don't have the chance to bargain at all, as prices in the price-tag are the final ones, and there is no discussion about it. By having limited amount of money I could spend in shopping, I learned the importance of bargaining, and how to do it. My father taught me some things he used to do to get better deals when he was studying in Madrid, I used them all (again, we have now so much more in common), and created my own strategies, like pretending to leave the place because the price is too high, or taking small bills in order to say that you don't have the amount of money that you actually have.

7- I am not suffering much re-entry shock, I am actually trying to see the fact that I am back as a new adventure ahead of me, and trying to appreciate the small things that I missed while in Spain. One example would be the weather, instead of getting annoyed with the cold Illinois weather, I am trying to remember how much I was missing the snow and struggling with the Sevillian heat. Another example would be my classes, I am a very passionate student, coming back to an American institution made me very excited for learning with very knowledgeable professors again, instead of thinking how much I miss my university in Seville.

8- I would like people to know that I did not go to Spain to party and travel, it was much more than that. I would like them to know that I crossed paths with people that brought me so many different ways to see the world, and that I learned to love their views as well as those people. I also want them to know that  was alone most of them time, but it was ok, because the city itself and my own company were enough for me, and even after making more friends, I would voluntarily choose to make some things by myself. I would really

9- I have never felt so comfortable anywhere in the world, it was almost as if I was meant to live in Seville at some point in my life. I don't necessarily want to live there after I graduate, but studying in Spain showed me that there is a place in the world for me, and it is in Europe. Studying Spanish was a very joyful process, and I want to keep studying it, until I get to the point where I speak it just as well as English, but it was also good for me to realize that I should keep studying other languages, traveling even more, having new experiences.

Before going to Spain I thought that I would not learn many things, as I was already an "expert" in studying abroad, and having to adjust to a new country. But I have changed my mind in this process, and realized that each experience is unique, and there is so much more I need to learn from other places and other cultures before I am ready to go back to my country for good (which might not even happen).

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Style List 2018: All the women who will inspire your wardrobe this year

For the 6th annual style list, we decided to focus on two distinct sets of women—the perennials, who consistently make it to our fashion radar, and the newer names on the block, whose sartorial choices we are excited to discover. What do they have in common? An unabashed love for fashion.

1/27

Kareena Kapoor Khan, actor

WHY: Because age has got nothing on this silver-screen and real-life royal Street-style lesson served? A statement separate is mandatory. Preferably made by Michele. Tip on traditional wear? Black and belted brings it into the now. The brief on suiting up? White for the night (from top to toe). Red-carpet rule? You don’t have to choose between sweet and sexy.

Shweta Bachchan Nanda, author and columnist

WHY: Because the mother-of-two gives us #OOTD goals What do you wear on rotation? “Adidas Originals SST trackpants.” All-time favourite fashion purchase? “Goyard ‘Saint Louis’ tote.” Designer obsessions? “Ganni, Attico, Ulla Johnson and Michael Halpern.” Ideal shopping companion? “Kaajal Anand. She’s honest and will tell me if something doesn’t flatter.” If you were writing a fashion-focused character, what would she wear? “Jeans and a white shirt buttoned down to the belly with nude stilettos, a long gold chain with medallion pendants and evil-eye charms, a Cartier ‘Tank’ watch with a black croc strap, and mid-sized gold hoops. And she would carry a Goyard tote in green.”

Image: Tarun Vishwa

Prerna Goel, style blogger and interior decorator

WHY: Because her discerning eye for picking clothing with character is like none other Designer obsessions? “Attico, Adriana Degreas and Sara Battaglia.” A lesser-known fact about your style? “I’m a sustainable shopper and only pick a few pieces a year. I love pieces with a story and those that are refreshingly creative.” An heirloom piece in your closet? “A vintage Givenchy brooch from a Paris flea market.” On your Insta-radar? “Holli Rogers and Jacquemus.” Most recent purchase? “YSL fringed boots.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Priya Aswani, interior designer

WHY: Because she’s inherited mother Indira Aswani’s elegance and coupled it with her own unique air Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A beaded dress and pair of hot pants from the talented Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo.” Designer obsession? “Dolce & Gabbana. I have suits and dresses from 1989 to present-day collections.” The one thing you never leave home without? “My Marimekko umbrella.” Things you’re bringing out from the back of your closet? “A 1990s Chanel backpack, bijoux and chain belt.” Most cherished hand-me-down? “Morabito crocodile handbags in pale green and beige circa 1951 and a collection of original Madame Chorosch saris.”

Image: Hormis Antony Tharakan

Anushka Sharma, actor

WHY: Because, never one for taking after trends, Sharma brings her seriously cool personality to her wardrobe Frequenty spotted in? Sabyasachi Street-style lesson served? The more distressed the denim, the better. Tip on traditional wear? Turn to pastels for polish. Notes for a night out? A clever cut-out has your back.

Image: Kanika Karvinkop

Kalyani Saha Chawla, entrepreneur

WHY: Because the Bengali beauty looks best in traditional wear Oldest item in your closet? “My mother’s Dhakai saris and my grandmother’s Benarasis.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A gold Raw Mango sari.” A trend you would love to see come back? “Traditional weaves of India that are not made contemporary. Originality is aplenty in India!” Your go-to sari designers? “Tarun Tahiliani and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s chikan saris are like the little black dresses of Indian wear.” Favourite boutiques? “Montaigne Market in Paris, Rana Sarees in Jaipur, Dover Street Market in Tokyo.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, actor and designer

WHY: Because the newlywed looks as fashion-shoot-ready in Bhane as in Elie Saab Couture What do you wear on rotation? “Black trousers from The Row.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “Céline bags and Rheson sweatshirts.” Designer obsessions? “Rosie Assoulin and The Row.” Ideal shopping companion? “My sister Rhea, because we can edit each other’s choices.” A lesser-known fact about your style? “My wardrobe is filled with saris.” Memorable on-screen look? “Neerja (2016)”

Natasha Poonawalla, executive director, Serum Institute of India

WHY: Because her couture-filled wardrobe is the stuff of dreams All-time favourite fashion purchase? “Philip Treacy ‘Ink’ quill that I had worn to the races a few years ago.” Designer obsession? “Andy Ho, a lesser-known Hong Kong-based avant garde designer.” Ideal shopping companion? “Karan Johar. Combined with impeccable taste and super aesthetic sense, he is as experimental as I am. And I make stops in the menswear department.” What are you saving for your daughters-in-law? “Everything! I’m a massive fashion hoarder and rarely part with things, so they’re going to get it all.” Designer obsessions? “Peter Dundas and Anthony Vaccarello’s work at YSL.” How many pairs of shoes do you have in
your closet? “I’ve never really counted but you could say a fair few!”

Image: Sushant Chhabria

Cecilia Morelli Parikh, co-founder, Le Mill

WHY: Because the retail maven brings her sartorial smarts to her wardrobe while changing the way Indian women shop Investment buy of the year? “A gown by Rosie Assoulin.” A trend you love? “I love the idea of wearing embroidery or embellishment in the day. That mix of tradition and day wear is something I wish we saw more of in Indian street wear.” What do you wear on rotation? “Anything by Céline. Right now, it’s a striped work shirt.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “An embroidered Dries Van Noten summer coat.” What are you saving up for? “A Saint Laurent suede jacket.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Kiran Rao, film producer, writer and director

WHY: Because whether in script or style, her against-the-grain choices are equal parts intellectual and interesting What do you wear on rotation? “A Givenchy Rottweiler sweatshirt that Karan Johar gave me.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A deliciously comfortable cotton sleep set from Runaway Bicycle. Their collections are a dream for Mumbai’s sultry summer.” You’re most comfortable in… “Oversized handloom clothing.” On your must-watch list? “Bias and ASA.” What would your capsule closet contain? A Péro gamcha, dress and coat, a Raw Mango jamdani sari and blouse, an Ekà dress, an Anavila sari and blouse, and a pair of Onitsuka Tiger trainers and Sole Sisters sandals.”

Image: Abheet Gidwani

Anamika Khanna, designer

WHY: Because we covet her wardrobe as much as her designs Oldest item in your closet? “A chintz knotted blouse and matching petticoat that my mother wore. It’s so ’60s!” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “Gold Gucci sandals. I’m living in them.” Spring/summer must-haves? “Delicate gold chains with my name in every language, oversized boxy white T-shirts, every Korean face mask I can find, white Anamika Khanna muslin everything and anything ruffles in chiffon.” Favourite boutiques? “Dover Street Market in London, Le Bon Marche in Paris and Anthropologie.” A designer you would love to collaborate with? “Martin Margiela.”

Image: Ankush Maria

Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, executive director, RRO Private Ltd

WHY: Because the country’s chicest hostess has a wardrobe to match all her entertaining needs A lesser-known fact about your style? “Wearing the same outfit twice in a week is liberating. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s been ‘seen before’.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “Gucci maxi tote from the fall collection.” Ideal shopping companion? “Me! Who else would have the patience?” Most surprising item in your closet? “Cotton kaftans from Colaba Causeway. I wear them all the time.” Favourite boutiques? “Boutique 1 in Beirut, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Brian & Barry Building in Milan and X Bank in Amsterdam.”

Image: Ashish Shah

Smita Khanna, architect and director, Note-D and Maithili Ahluwalia, CEO and creative director, Bungalow 8

Smita Khanna WHY: Because a growing bump hasn’t stopped her from giving us serious style goals Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “YMC dungarees—look great as the belly grows, and extremely comfortable.” Go-to labels for maternity wear? “Bungalow 8 has the best labels, which work before, during and after pregnancy. They are also great for Bombay heat.” Advice for moms-to-be? “It’s fun to flaunt the bump!” Signature accessory? “My engagement ring designed by my husband. I am constantly playing with it to keep nervous energy at bay, especially when I’m designing.”

Maithili Ahluwalia WHY: Because not many can merge Issey Miyake and India-inspired with such ease A lesser-known fact about your style? “It’s not expensive.” New labels to watch? “Aish, Injiri, Padmaja, The Bungalow, Sanskar, Runaway Bicycle, Neeru Kumar, A Small Shop and Hidden Harmony.” What would your capsule closet contain? “Black and white everything.” What do you reach for in a fashion emergency? “A boho dress, usually made from scarves with bold prints.” Most comfortable in… “White pyjamas from Khadi Udyog.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Deepika Padukone, actor

WHY: Because she never fails to impress—with her slew of saris or her pathbreaking performances. Acing airport style? Touching down or taking off, a statement jacket is your best friend. Tip on traditional wear? The six-yard staple never goes out of style. Notes for a night out? A blazer, effortlessly shrobed, is the perfect finishing touch. Red carpet rule? Belle meets badass.

Twinkle Khanna, author, interior designer and columnist

WHY: Because no one does denim and diamonds with greater ease What do you wear on rotation? “Rockstud Valentino sandals in an array of colours—one for every day of the week.” If you were writing a fashion-heavy book, what would your character wear? “The devil wears Prada, but in my story God would wear tweedy Chanel.” Biggest sartorial risk? “Cropping my hair and then ending up at Oxford University looking like Margaret Thatcher, albeit in Gucci! Current wardrobe favourites? “Gucci pussybow blouses, a Zara striped dress and an emerald owl ring. A trend you can’t wrap your head around? “Denim overalls. I am still trying to find a way to wear them without looking like Stephen King in his Creepshow 2 (1987) cameo.”

Image: Abheet Gidwani

Kangana Ranaut, actor

WHY: Because the actor doesn’t shy away from taking sartorial risks, on or off screen The first time you wore a sari? “I was probably four or five. It was my mother’s. I love that saris don’t have structure and you can interpret them the way you want.” The biggest sartorial risk you’ve taken? “Revolver Rani (2014), where I played a dacoit.” Most memorable on-screen look? “In Fashion (2008), Narendra Kumar had a show in the film where I wore a long coat with shorts and thigh-high boots.” Your style rules? “Comfort doesn’t come first. You should never wear what you would in bed. Spend that extra 15 minutes to do your hair, and always wear lipstick.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Deepshikha Khanna, head of apparel, Good Earth

WHY: Because she walks the talk in style and sustainability A lesser-known fact about your style? “I invent my own saris— sometimes it’s a sari dress and sometimes a pleated skirt.” A new sustainable label to know? “P.I.C (Partners in Crime) makes eight garments and shows you 50 ways to wear them.” What do you reach for in a fashion emergency? “Definitely a sari. There’s so much to love about it. It can be worn in five minutes, it’s flattering to all body types and it transitions smoothly from day to night.” Designer obsession? “Rina Singh of Ekà.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A suede obi belt from Japan.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Priya Jhaveri, director, Jhaveri Contemporary

WHY: Because she effortlessly applies an artistic eye to her wardrobe Your most cherished hand-me-down? “Earrings designed by my father Dinesh Jhaveri in the ’70s.” Most memorable piece in your wardrobe? “A patola sari for its flawless double-ikat weave. Its graphic pattern resembles a Nintendo game.” Does work influence your wardrobe? “Values of authenticity and irreverence inform both.” What do you reach for in a fashion emergency? “A jumpsuit from Bungalow 8.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A golden-yellow velvet dress by Ulla Johnson.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Priyanka Bose, actor

WHY: Because for this counter- culturist, clothes are a pathway to freedom of expression A lesser-known fact about your style? “I’m trying to get creative with sustainability and it’s hard work to detach from many things in my closet. I want to buy less, circulate more. I love anything that’s unique and statement.” Designer obsessions? “NorBlack NorWhite, Bhane, Shift by Nimish Shah, Anavila, Ekà, Farah Sanjana.” Three tricks to ace red-carpet style? “Slick hair, bold lip and strong eyebrows.” Most memorable looks? “A gold Rajesh Pratap Singh suit I wore on the red carpet. On screen I loved my look in a short film called 35Mm (2015), directed by Chandan Roy Sanyal.” Who do you look to for style advice? “I’ll ask everyone and then end up doing my own thing.”

Image: Ian Spanier

Mira Kapoor, mother

WHY: Because the soon-to-be mom-of-two has mastered the mix of polished and playful A lesser-known fact about your style? “I repeat and don’t usually spend a lot on clothes.” Your ideal shopping companion? “Shahid (Kapoor). He’s blunt and gets me out of my comfort zone.” Your splurges? “Shoes! Cheap shoes are never comfortable. My current favourite is a pair from Aquazzura.” Delhi to Mumbai, how has your look changed? “I think I was quite uptight but moving to Mumbai changed things. Everyone here is so laid-back.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “An evil-eye necklace with a sapphire at the centre.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Kaveri Acharya, art consultant

WHY: Because the art she loves makes up her closet—timeless like Art Deco and whimsical like the Memphis Group A lesser-known fact about your style? “I’ve gone from a more Edie Sedgwick-eque look to a softer, more relaxed one. I like to think that my style is a shorthand journal for my life journey.” What do you wear on rotation? “A roomy, bell-sleeved gingham dress.” On your Insta-radar? “Border&Fall, Man Repeller, Documenting Fashion, Advanced Style, Art History Memes, Fashion Revolution, Hasan Piker.” Does your work influence your wardrobe? “At exhibition previews I like to reference the art through my outfit—it’s my way of celebrating the artist.” Do you dress for your body type? “I’m petite and used to be conscious of looking weighed down by too much colour, print or accessories. But then I saw Iris Apfel’s style and now I stack another bracelet when I think I have one too many.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Radhika Kapoor, jewellery designer

WHY: Because her distinct style seamlessly strings together Balmain and boho Describe your style. “I love to mix boho-chic Indian pieces in traditional textiles with international designers.” Designer obsessions? “For Indian it’s Simar Dugal, while Rick Owens, Helmut Lang and Zara are perennials.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “Jackets and shirts from Ikai by Ragini Ahuja and seriously cool stuff from Verandah.” On your Insta-radar? “Johanna Ortiz and Victoria Beckham.” Your last splurge? “A Balmain biker jacket.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Prathna Singh, photographer

WHY: Because before athleisure became common knowledge, this creative was leading the wave with her sari and Nike Flyknits combination Describe your style “Functional with a hint of rock ’n’ roll.” On your Insta-radar? “All the Modernist and Brutalist architecture accounts.” Does your work influence your wardrobe? “A shoot day will have me running around a market, climbing over walls or sweet-talking policemen. So, comfort is key. I’m mostly in a shirt or shirt dress (Bodice has my back here) with jeans and sneakers.” What would your capsule closet contain? “I’m all for multi-function clothing—so a muted palette and shirts and dresses with interchangeable bottoms. Some colour (the Payal Khandwala way) and voilà!” How do you reinvent the sari? “I love Rashmi Varma’s version of the sari-dress. It’s functional, modern and, at the same time, so elegant.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Tania Shroff, fashion student

WHY: Because there’s no look this young fashion student is afraid to try What do you wear on rotation? “Acne Studio’s camel coat.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? A black Chanel backpack. It can go from a day backpack to a night-out bag.” Designer obsession? “Upcoming designer Danielle Guizio for her custom denim.” A trend you’re loving? “The plastic/vinyl trend and dad sneakers from Balenciaga and Raf Simons. You either love them or hate them.” An item you’ll never part with? “My vintage Fendi reversible coat from What Goes Around Comes Around in New York.”

Aditi Kothari, director, DSP BlackRock Investment Managers

WHY: Because both her wardrobe of weaves and her work empower the country’s women Describe your style? “I wear a lot of ikat saris and Lucknowi kurtas. For meetings, I switch to silks and finish the look with delicate jewellery.” What do you wear on rotation? “A well-fitted white T-shirt that I can wear with a skirt, jeans, to the gym, wherever.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A silk Raw Mango sari from their Midnight collection. I love how Sanjay Garg uses Bengal cotton.” An heirloom piece you’ve inherited? “I love all my mother’s saris, but there’s one French chiffon sari that I wore to my wedding. I was seven years old when she bought it and I still remember that experience.”

Image: R Burman

Shagun Khanna, blogger

WHY: Because the mother-of-two never has a hair (or seam!) out of place What do you wear on rotation? “J Brand boyfriend jeans.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “Black sequinned dress from Tom Ford.” Favourite athleisure labels? “James Perse, Lululemon and Spiritual Gangster.” Designer obsession? “Tom Ford.” You never leave home without… “My sunblock.”

Image: Ezzidin Alwan

Sapna Shehrawat, CEO, La Perla India and Samara Gupta, special educator

Sepna Shehrawat

WHY: Because this girl boss knows a thing or two about blending staple with statement A lesser-known fact about your style? “I own 67 pairs of denim in every colour and style, so I’m definitely a creature of comfort.” Favourite fashion purchase of the year? “A black top and jacket from the Jacquemus S/S ’18 La Bomba collection.” What are you saving up for? “I want to add to my luggage collection. I’m eyeing the ‘Peugeot GM’ in black and tan from Goyard.” Designer obsession? “La Perla ready-to-wear and Chanel.” Lesser-known fact about your style? “Every year I experiment with one new clothing, accessory and shoe designer. Also, 75 per cent of my closet is black.”

Samara Gupta

WHY: Because her pretty-as-a-picture style is a sweet mix of femininity and form Designer obsession? “Razan Alazzouni. Despite the soft tailoring, the pieces are sculptural and highlight the grace of the female form.” You’re most comfortable in… “A linen dress.” A lesser-known fact about your style? “I like simplicity during the day, so I go for a pair of well-fitted jeans with a blouse or a whimsical dress. For the night, I look for clothes and accessories with unique artisanal work.” On your Insta-radar? “The feeds of boutique fashion companies like LuxCartel and Creo Consulting.” What do you reach for in a fashion emergency? “A pair of high heels. Always.”

Image: Nishanth Radhakrishnan

The post Style List 2018: All the women who will inspire your wardrobe this year appeared first on VOGUE India.

[traveltoblankout]

Moving to Amsterdam.  Unusual things to do. (part2)

Dear You,

How are you doing today? I hope you feel curious about new things to discover because I am going to reveal some unusual activities to experience in Amsterdam.

Once I settled down, I started to explore what was around me and as I have always wanted to feel local in every place I go, I firstly excluded the most common activities to bump into hidden places and unusual adventures.

Here is my top 5 list, my Dear You, hoping that you will be feeling the urge to come back to Amsterdam and do those crazy things together.

1) OVER THE EDGE 

‘Over the Edge’ is Europe’s highest swing on A’DAM’s sky deck. This attraction is part of the A’DAM LOOKOUT Experience. Daredevils and thrillseekers will swing 100 meters high, back and forth over the edge of the tower with Amsterdam below their feet. When I did it, I enjoyed the unrivalled view over the capital city while the adrenaline was flowing through my body!Apart from the A’DAM LOOKOUT entrance ticket (€12,50) you also need a separate ticket for Over the Edge. A swing ride will cost you only €5 and is available online, at the box office and on the roof at entrance of the swing (cards only at the roof top).

2) Pouring rainy day in Amsterdam? Lock yourself in the Biggest Escape Room of Europe! Tricky stories will catapult you in a real environment where you have to escape from the room as fast as you can. Besides going to the flea market at Waterlooplein, you can now experience some of the most exciting minutes of your life in a ghost ship or wooden cabin! Absolutely recommended also to find new people to share Amsterdam experiences! Check the options here: http://hoofddorp.escapeworld.nl/adamwaterloo

3)  Go bungee jumping over the IJ at the Faralda Crane Hotel

I know you love the adrenaline my Dear You, that’s why I am sharing this amazing activity which is just 10 mins far from Amsterdam Central Station! Not only is it conveniently located, but in this version you go down feet-first in a swinging motion, saving yourself from the head-popping pressure we suffered through doing it the old-fashioned way. You get 30 minutes to admire the view from 50 meters over the IJ, then it's down you go. The adrenaline is indescribable. 

4) Attend a free concert at the Concertgebouw

Don’t miss this magnificent opportunity: at lunch time -12:00 o’clock- every Wednesday you will find a jazz or classical concert for free in the beautiful building of Concertgebouw in Museumplein. Enjoy one of the best concert hall in the world and an unique experience unanimously decreed as some of the best acoustics in the world.

5)  Climb the Westertoren

You know you need the exercise, and at 40 meters, this is the tallest (and prettiest) tower in central Amsterdam, so the views are unparalleled. It's also super-historic (dating back to 1638). Entrance is by guided tour only (€7.50), and only six people are allowed to go up every half-hour, so show up at the beginning of the day to reserve the time slot of your choice -- also, it's only open in the summer

So my Dear You, this is what i have done during this year and a half and mostly my last days here in Amsterdam. This city is now my comfort zone and you should know that I need to shake things a bit to live an energetic life. I am moving to Sydney for an unique experience and I am looking at canals, at clouds, at sprain houses with a weird feeling of fulfilment and sadness at the same time. Amsterdam is the house I have built with my own hands and now that I feel comfortable in each corner of it, I have to say goodbye, or better, see you soon my beloved Amsterdam.

Sydney is waiting for me, it won’t be easy but, as everything, difficult situations are the most valuable, those that will leave a permanent mark in your life.

I will keep you updated about my adventures in Australia, my Dear You. I will write another letter.

Love,

Joana

[leatherdogcollar-blog]

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[worldpackingcanuck]

Back in 2006 when I still had the energy to party like a rock star I came to the Netherlands on what was my first European trip. Travelling on a budget and trying to fit the most bars in a single amount of time, I did not get to visit beyond Amsterdam.

10 years later I have returned to the Netherlands for only the 2nd time in my life, and wow has this place changed.

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Before I start on my impressions on Amsterdam, I have to admit that the first time I visited I was a walking disaster.

Young and possibly obnoxious, I went on a 3-day drinking marathon (drink-a-thon) with some guys I had met all the way back in Paris. Unfortunately all my mornings did not start before 1:00 PM back then and as such I did not get to visit much of the country, or the city itself.

One of my favorite views in Amsterdam was the buildings by the water

Coming Back to Amsterdam

When word first got out that I was preparing to travel the world, some of the friends I had met during my travels dropped me a line offering me a couch or a bed if I was going to visit.

In Amsterdam, I know two locals. One who I met about 8 years before during a trip in Argentina, and one who I had met the year before in Tanzania.

It’s not every day that I had the opportunity to not only save on accommodation but also have the chance to get to know a city through a local. So, wanting to make the city justice I came back to the Netherlands and once again I set anchor in Amsterdam, but this time for a full week and a half. Lucky me, this also coincided with King’s Day in the Netherlands!

The very pretty (and crowded) Amsterdam Centraal

First Impressions

Getting out of Amsterdam Centraal somehow had a different feeling than it did a decade ago. The entire city felt crowded with people and roller suitcases, just outside the central station people came swarming from all directions in and out of the station.

I still remembered when I first came and left the same central station 10 years ago. The city was busy back then, but not as crowded. Maybe it was the upcoming King’s Day that had brought all these people in? Or maybe this is the “new” Amsterdam now?

Apart the crowds and walking through the different neighborhoods of Amsterdam did feel like the Amsterdam of old. The Red Light District with its abundance of, well, red lights and “Coffee Shops”, the Centrum with its nothing short of amazing architecture, and the Canal Ring with its many historical sights like the (extremely crowded) Anne Frank House.

Rijksmuseum

My First Few Days

I had arrived on a Friday evening in Amsterdam, which meant that the weekend was very much reserved to catching up with old friends. The weekend dangerously started to turn into my Amsterdam of 10 years ago full of headaches and regret, so when Monday came I made a point of sightseeing outside of Amsterdam for a few days.

Click here for a list of the best day trips from Amsterdam.

Visiting cool places like Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof and Haarlem rejuvenated me and made me feel like giving myself a now 3rd chance to get to know Amsterdam outside of the bars and beers.

Amsterdam Is Beautiful

Wandering around the canals quickly became my favorite activity in the city, that and trying not to suffer death-by-bicycle. The many canals in Amsterdam give the city its charm and provide hours and hours of sightseeing inside the city.

The many canals in Amsterdam are fun to see. Trying to not get run over by a bicycle is not.

There are many things to see inside Amsterdam to keep you busy and out of the party scene for days. Another of my favorite parts of the city was Vondelpark; on a nice day it is the perfect spot to spend the day and look at passerbys walking and biking. During the summer days locals will have barbecues outside, and it is one of the many places in Amsterdam where you can see colorful tulips outside of Keukenhof.

King’s Day

Formerly known as Queen’s Day until 2013, when Queen Beatrix ceded the throne at 75 years of age to her son William-Alexander, King’s Day is an unique carnival-like day and night in the Netherlands highlighting the King’s birthday on April 27th each year.

King’s Day in Amsterdam is a huge event joined by over 700,000 tourists from around the world, and although the number of visitors does crowd the city beyond capacity, the ambiance in the streets is extremely festive and laid back and everyone enjoys themselves despite the enormous crowds.

The night before King’s Day, King’s Night, is just as festive with many outdoor parties throughout Amsterdam. DJs and party-goers revel in the street, all dressed in orange, drinking and dancing to the sound of music. The party goes all night (some until the early morning).

During King’s Day the party continues in the streets of Amsterdam inside and outside of bars. The neighborhood of Jordan is where most people and locals go to.

The most important thing during King’s Day is: WEAR ORANGE

Flea Markets

The Dutch love to bargain, and this is most apparent in the various flea markets found throughout the city during King’s Day. Many families take the opportunity to sell some of their old stuff out in the streets, sometimes at extremely low prices.

At the end of it all, I’m not sure whether it was Amsterdam or me who changed the most.

As I’ve said in previous posts, I am no longer into the party scene (my body does a fantastic job of reminding me every morning after). While I still went out and enjoyed King’s Day (and King’s Night), my favorite moments were those of discovering a city that I did not get a chance to know too well the first time around.

Amsterdam can be one messy adventure. From the many parties and bars to the extremely beautiful sights and architectures, Amsterdam has everything to keep you busy whether for a short or long stay. Have you been to Amsterdam? Have you experienced King’s Day? 

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10 Years Later, I Came Back To Amsterdam Back in 2006 when I still had the energy to party like a rock star I came to the Netherlands on what was my first European trip.

[travelcenter-uk]

A Thrilling City Break in Europe

There’s one question that we need to ask ourselves, have we missed travelling? Why of course we have, so why not take a trip around Europe, and be mesmerized by its pure beauty, several cultures, epic history, incredible artistic and culinary variety. Travel Center offers a city break in Europe that would not be forgotten.    

We offer various kinds of itineraries that would be perfect for short breaks in Europe. And there are also various types of travellers with different requirements and every destination has something special and unique to provide.    

This itinerary is for a city break where you can enjoy some local delicacies, stay at hotels or explore the cities various landmarks.

A City Break in Europe, Cologne

Cologne is a stunning, pedestrian-friendly metropolis on the Rhine River with a skyline consisting of the famous Cologne Cathedral as its unique feature.

You can explore several arts and entertainment facilities, historical gems, as well as nearly 100 galleries and around three dozen museums.

Cologne is famous for its 12 exceptional Romanesque churches – particularly the splendid Cologne Cathedral – all a simple walk from the historic Old Town, the Cologne Karneval which is held in February, and also Its university which is one of the oldest and biggest in Europe.

Here’s a tip about transportation on your city break in Europe, Cologne;

If you want to explore, you can rent a bicycle for about 12 euros a day, or get a bus which is the easiest as they will be able to take you anywhere you want to go, mainly where the trains and trams don’t travel to.

Amsterdam

Visit the world-popular 17th century capital of Holland, you can cycle to undiscovered places, explore windmills, countryside, and beaches, immerse yourself in the culture at Westergas, cruise past canal houses and bridges, look for unusual finds at Europe’s largest flea market and uncover Amsterdam’s independent shopping streets.

Amsterdam is famous for plenty of things: the stunning ancient buildings, spectacular museums, enjoyable atmosphere, cycling lifestyle, boat trips on the canals, the Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, Anne Frank House, and the red light district.

Here’s a tip you should keep in mind on your Europe city break in Amsterdam;

One of the initial things that you would notice about Amsterdam is its bicycle ruled roads. The city is packed with them and the citizens enjoy travelling on them. It’s one of the most bicycle-friendly metropolises in the world, and the ideal way to take in Amsterdam’s grandeur is by getting on to a bicycle and travelling the city. But, much to the irritation of the residents, most tourists don’t see the bike lanes and walk on them. Kindly keep in mind that the bicycle lanes in Amsterdam are generally red. A bike doesn’t travel like a car, and it is not easy to stop it suddenly within seconds. Please be careful of bike lanes and stay off them to keep away from getting hurt. Also try and get the I Amsterdam City Card, which is a convenient visitor pass that gets you complimentary access to Amsterdam’s several famous appeals.

Paris

Paris’s alluring attractions are renowned and for great reason. Welcoming sidewalk cafes, shiny boutiques, top-notch museums, a legendary restaurant scene make Paris the runway model of cities. You could go for an evening meal at relaxed contemporary bistros which offer simpler meals, split your times amid the Louvre and tinier Museums and discover the “Real” Paris on the Canal St. Martin.

It’s famous for its cafe lifestyle, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Moulin Rouge, pastries, and fashion. Paris is frequently seen as having splendor, grace, and as being a confidently romantic city.

Here’s a tip you need to remember in Paris when you’re in the best city break in Europe.

If you want to tour the city, Uber is low-priced than taxis and are the ideal way to travel around if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. The Uber Pool choice is where you could share a ride to get even better savings (though you could get your own car as well). And make sure you get a Paris Museum Pass, it’s a prepaid card that gets you admission to around 70 museums and landmarks throughout Paris.

Rome, a City Break in Europe

Rome is still one of the best and ancient cities in the world. You can explore St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and the Palatine Hill.

Rome is famous for its spectacular architecture, with the Colosseum (one of the most famous and emblematic monuments in the world), Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain as the chief appeals. And, you’ll find the tiniest nation in the world in Rome; Vatican City.

Here’s a tip when you’re in Rome on your Europe city break.

Go on a complimentary walking tour – This is a brilliant way to discover more about the history behind the places you are exploring and acquaint yourself.

Get a tourist card – If you are going to visit several museums, think about purchasing one of Rome’s countless budget cards like the Roma Pass, Archeologia card, or the Biglietto 4 Musei (Four Museum Combination Ticket). You pay one flat charge for all the appeals.

Iceland

Generally recognized as “The Land of Fire and Ice”, it’s also the land of light and darkness. You can explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, uncover the marvels of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, relish natural treatments at the Blue Lagoon which is a geothermal spa, and perhaps the country’s most toured geothermal spa and try whale watching in Husavik.

It’s famous for the Northern Lights, gorgeous and untouched nature, and Vatnajökull glacier the largest glacier of Europe.

Here’s a tip to keep in mind when you’re in Iceland on your city break in Europe

Check weather and road conditions – When you look at the forecasts for a clear night on your search for the northern lights, keep in mind to check about road conditions and check for travel alerts too. Icelandic weather is known to vary quickly, so it’s important you observe the weather conditions frequently over the course of the day.

Switzerland

Switzerland might be a tiny country but there is so much to view and experience on your city break in Europe. You could visit the Matterhorn and encounter some stunning views, tour historic castles, explore 200 peaks, ride the Jungfraujoch Railway, and acquire a visual retreat and tour the Lucerne Historical Sites to discover more about cultural facts.  

The country is famous for its picturesque Alps, its rolling hills, meadows, lakes, medieval towns, astonishing culture, gorgeous festivals, and tasty food. It is also famous for its chocolates, cheese, and watches, while the Swiss knife is a myth in itself!

Here’s an important tip to know when in Switzerland

If you plan to travel around the country, think about getting a Swiss Travel Pass. This offers discounts of nearly 50% on the bus, train, and trams. Aside from the savings with public transport, the pass also provides complimentary entrance to around 500 museums and galleries all through the country.

A City Break in Europe, Tenerife

Tenerife is the island of a thousand encounters. You can get lost in nature, unwind on the beach, hike Teide, stroll the ancient town cobbles, explore the cultured port settlements, visit delightful historic towns, enjoy a theme park or try some golf.  

The Canary Island of Tenerife is famous for having the tallest mountain in Spain, and also for its black lava beaches.

Here’s a tip to keep in mind when in Tenerife

Hire a car, particularly if you are a first time traveller to the Island. It would offer you astonishing freedom to tour all sections of the island, and Tiede Park is a must-see, it’s your decision if you want to pay 25 euros for the cable ride to the top.

Spain

Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more varied than you ever thought. You can explore stone palaces, snow-covered mountains, massive monuments, and classy metropolises, all of which have made it a preferred travel destination.

Spain is famous for its great food, brilliant people, its picturesque splendor and its huge coastline. The country has become a favorite destination particularly for the food-loving, wine-hugging, and siesta-enjoying people.

Remember this tip on your Europe city break in Spain

Transportation in Spain – Spain is pretty well linked through high-speed trains which means that you could easily get from one place to the other. With that being said, the ideal way to travel around Spain in our view is to hire a car. Not only would you have the freedom to travel wherever you want to but it would also permit you to tour smaller uncharted places.

Greece

Greece is historic sun-bleached ruins penetrating blue skies, the mild Aegean slurping a boundless shoreline, and a culture alive with passionate music, delightful food, and thrill-seeking pursuits. You can explore Athens, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades (Santorini), and the Dodecanese archipelago (Rhodes).

Greece is famous for the formation of the Olympic Games, and for its exceptional and historical construction. Some examples consist of the Acropolis in Athens, the Sanctuary of Delphi, and the historic Theatre of Epidaurus, and the Meteora; A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, Meteora is a marvel of nature and architecture alike.

Keep in mind this tip when you’re in Greece

Try the local food – If you are looking for customary flavors, then get to the middle of the city. The ones most visited by the natives are found at the bottom of the Acropolis. These are the customary mom and pop restaurants. Some of the old-fashioned dishes that you should not miss out on are moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.

A City Break in Europe, The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal is one of Europe’s preferred holiday destinations, you can relax on dreamlike beaches, tour seaside caves, tee off at some of Europe’s top golf courses, and lose yourself in attractive old towns.

Algarve, Portugal is famous for being delightfully diverse, able to charm an extensive cross-section of tourists; there are immaculate beaches for families, waterparks and theme parks for thrill-seekers, lively nightlife for partying and ancient towns for cultural tourists.

Here’s a tip to remember when you’re visiting The Algarve, Portugal on your city break in Europe

Take Public Transport – While trips of the Algarve or driving yourself around are ways to go, the cheapest and easiest method is to utilize the area’s trains and buses. That’s because while rental car prices go up in peak season, the price of train tickets stays the same.

Malta

Malta is an archipelago that rests amid Sicily and the Northern African coast. It is filled with fascinating architecture, excellent turquoise sea, delightful cities, and a relaxed vibe. You can swim in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, experience the Panoramic View at Upper Barrakka Gardens, explore the 3 cities of Cottonera, play at Popeye Village, and visit the silent city of Mdina.

It’s famous for its diving, architectural locations, and festivals, Malta is also a popular film site in its own right. Malta’s theatrical cliffs, magnificent landscapes, and historic structures make it the ideal setting for several feature films and TV shows, mainly those focusing on an old-fashioned feel.

Remember this tip on your Europe city break in Malta

Malta Public Transport runs public bus services in Malta and Gozo. The service covers both islands quite well. Malta has 80 different routes and the smaller Gozo has 15.  Also, the best about Malta’s bus system is that it is combined with Google Maps, and the stops are plainly specified!

A City Break in Europe, Gran Canarias

Uncover beaches as diverse as the landscapes of Gran Canaria. The volcanic sites, the exceptional Macaronesian flora, and the widespread pine forests make Gran Canaria worthy of this exceptional honour from UNESCO. You can experience sailing, yachting, windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving and so much more.

Gran Canaria is a destination with plenty of diversity on offer, but it’s most famous for its beaches. There are around 80 expanses of golden sand surrounding the island, most swept by the type of waves surfers dream of.

Keep in mind this tip when you’re in Gran Canarias

Transportation – A car provides the greatest flexibility for travelling around Gran Canaria. Around Las Palmas, the motorway could get hectic in rush hour, but past the metropolis, traffic is light and driving is a delight.

Majorca

There are plenty of things to do in Majorca to delight you, you can trek across the dramatic summits of the Tramuntana mountains, relax amid the vineyards, look through markets or choose one of the 300-plus beaches and bays to call your own.

It’s famous for beach resorts, cozy coves, limestone peaks, and Roman and Moorish ruins.

Here’s a tip to keep in mind when in Majorca

There are several bus and train systems which link many parts of the island, but in the summer buses are frequently very hectic – so get in the queue as early as you can.

Ibiza

Ibiza is all you require for an ideal summer holiday. You can explore sandy beaches encircled by nature, astonishing cliffs and turquoise crystal waters, make sure you try scuba diving, and snorkeling too.

Although the island’s size is comparatively small, it is filled with amazing marvels, appeals, and things to do. Ibiza is extensively famous for its wild nightlife.

Here’s a tip about transportation on your city break in Europe, Ibiza;

Ibiza is a small island and it’s very simple to travel around it. You could use public buses but they won’t take you to every section of the island. Though to explore at your own pace the best you could do is to rent a car.

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